American Agriculture History

American Agriculture History Minute: Economic Impact of Rural Electrification

Mark Oppold presents an American Agriculture History Minute, describing the challenging conditions of rural life in the mid-1930s, noting that 90% of rural homes lacked electricity. Farmers had to perform tasks like milking cows by hand using kerosene lamps, and families relied on basic wood-range washboards for domestic chores. Mark further explains how the lack of electricity significantly impacted rural …

interest

Greater Export Opportunities For Sorghum As Poultry Feed

The exportation of sorghum may provide an opportunity for US producers as other countries seek an alternative feed grain for poultry production. USDA Research Economist Michael Johnson shared insights to a study that was conducted among 12 countries and their use of alternative grains in poultry production. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, …

Cattle on Feed Report

Insights from the May 2025 Cattle on Feed Report

The May 2025 Cattle on Feed Report showed fewer placements of cattle in feedlots amid strong demand for beef. USDA Livestock Analyst Michael McConnell explains. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities That Spark Research …

AJCA Roundup Registration Now Open

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association will be hosting the Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association Roundup the summer and we caught up with Reid McGuire with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association to get the details on this event. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, …

corn

Commodity Review in May Trading

Mark Oppold recaps the May trading of commodities and Dale Sandlin shares an NAFB story on President Trump’s call for a 50% tariff on imports from the European Union. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides …

rural electrification

American Agriculture History Minute: Vision for Rural Electrification

Mark Oppold presents an American Agriculture History Minute, explains that the story of rural electrification began during the 1932 presidential campaign when Democratic nominee Franklin Roosevelt toured the South. During this tour, Roosevelt was deeply affected by witnessing the widespread poverty and sanitation issues in rural areas. Mark describes how Roosevelt believed that bringing electricity to rural areas would be …

rural electrification

American Agriculture History Minute: Rural Electrification Initiative

Mark Oppold presents an American Agriculture History Minute, focuses on the historical development of rural electrification in America during the Roosevelt administration. Mark explains that when President Roosevelt took office in 1933, the initiative to provide electricity to rural America gained significant momentum. Mark further details that on May 11, 1935, President Roosevelt established the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) through …

justice

Agriculture Industry Reaction To Make America Healthy Again Proposal

The agriculture community is reacting to the release of the report by the Make America Healthy Again Commission headed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. While the report includes items like vaccines, the use of digital devices and the lack of physical activity, many in the agriculture industry are weighing in on how the report impacts …

lame duck session

Livestock Industry Reacts to House’s Passage of Reconciliation Bill

With the passage of the Reconciliation Bill by the US House of Representatives the livestock industry is reacting to the items included in the bill. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Buck Wehrbein said, “Cattle farmers and ranchers need Congress to invest in cattle health, strengthen our resources against foreign animal disease, support producers recovering from disasters or depredation, and …