cotton

From Barley to Cotton: How America’s Early Crops Shaped Agriculture

Dan American Agriculture History Minute, Cotton, Field Crops, This Land of Ours, Wheat

The Roots of American Farming In the early days of American settlement, the first colonists arriving in Plymouth Colony faced unfamiliar soil, weather, and challenges unlike anything they had known in England. According to Mark Oppold in American Agriculture History Minute, these settlers initially relied on the seeds they brought from their homeland—planting barley and peas as their primary crops. …

grain

Reviewing The Grain Trade

Dan Agri-Business, Commodities, Corn, Economy, Field Crops, Soybeans, Wheat

November Grain Market Technical Update: Corn and Soybeans Test Key Levels As we move through the first week of November, analysts are closely watching the technical side of the grain trade, with both corn and soybean futures showing notable movement after recent rallies. December corn futures rallied early in the week, climbing above a major 200-day moving average around the …

first

First American Silo: How Fred Hatch Revolutionized Grain Storage in 1873

Dan American Agriculture History Minute, Corn, Field Crops, This Land of Ours, Wheat

A Pioneering Moment in American Agriculture In 1873, Illinois farmer Fred Hatch built what is believed to be America’s first version of the modern silo. During this period, grain storage was a persistent challenge for farmers who struggled to keep their harvest safe from spoilage, rot, and rodent damage. Hatch’s creative solution to this problem would set a precedent for …

cargill

How the Cargill Brothers Built an Agricultural Empire in Iowa

Dan Agri-Business, American Agriculture History Minute, Corn, This Land of Ours, Wheat

The Birth of Cargill: From Iowa Grain Storage to Global Agribusiness Surplus Grain Sparks Innovation In the mid-1800s, America’s agricultural landscape was changing rapidly. As grain production soared, farmers across the Midwest began facing an unexpected problem — too much success. With harvests exceeding their personal needs and limited local markets, many were forced to sell crops quickly or risk …

mid-Atlantic

How Wheat Transformed Mid-Atlantic Farming Before the American Revolution

Dan American Agriculture History Minute, Field Crops, This Land of Ours, Wheat

Early Colonial Agriculture and Trade Before 1720, most colonists in the mid-Atlantic region lived through small-scale farming operations that provided both sustenance and a modest income. These family farms were the foundation of early American agriculture, producing enough to feed local communities and export surpluses. To pay for imported manufactured goods from Europe, mid-Atlantic farmers supplied the West Indies with …

crop report

Private Crop Report Estimates

Dan Agri-Business, Corn, Economy, Field Crops, Soybeans, Wheat

USDA Crop Report Suspended, But Private Estimates Offer Insight on Corn and Soybeans Following the recent government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the suspension of its monthly crop report, a key source of market-moving data for farmers, analysts, and traders alike. However, despite the lack of official data, Bottom Line analysts have compiled their own report using …

Wheat Outlook

USDA Wheat Outlook For September 2025

Dan Agri-Business, Commodities, Economy, Field Crops, Wheat

USDA Releases September 2025 Wheat Outlook with Updated Production and Yield Estimates The USDA has released its September 2025 Wheat Outlook, providing updated estimates on wheat acreage, yield, and production. Anthony Prillaman of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) shared the latest data for both Durham wheat and other spring wheat. “Durham wheat planted acreage at nearly 2.19 million acres …

soybean

China Trade Discussions Outlook For Ag

Dan Agri-Business, Field Crops, Soybeans, Trade, Wheat

Soybean Trade Hopes Rise Despite No Ag Mention in Trump-Xi Call A recent phone call between President Trump and Chinese President Xi has reignited speculation in the grain markets — but notably, agriculture was left out of the discussion. “President Trump made no mention of agriculture during a phone call on trade with Chinese President Xi last month.” While wheat …

grain elevators

The Origins of Conveyor Grain Elevators in 19th Century America

Dan American Agriculture History Minute, Corn, Field Crops, This Land of Ours, Wheat

Revolutionizing Grain Storage The 19th century was a period of rapid innovation in American agriculture, with one of the most transformative developments being the conveyor-type grain elevator. These mechanical marvels not only increased efficiency but also reshaped trade routes and commercial hubs across the nation. Buffalo, New York: A Strategic Hub Conveyor-type grain elevators can be traced back to Buffalo, …

wheat

Wheat Outlook Shared In August Estimates

Dan Field Crops, Wheat

August WASDE Lowers U.S. Wheat Production Forecast, But Export Demand Remains Strong The August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report brings mixed news for the wheat market. While domestic wheat production was revised downward, export demand is showing significant strength heading into the new marketing year. According to Mark Jekinowski, Chair of the World Agricultural Outlook Board, the …