I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. At the age of 13, with the aid of his father, he was given an apprenticeship at a nearby orchard, and thus began his interest in growing and harvesting fruit. At the age of 18, Chapman moved from the frantic family life in Massachusetts. He had 11 younger siblings. He headed …
GPC Research Report Day Held at UGA Tifton
By Clint Thompson Peanut research is vital to the industry remaining sustainable amid challenging economic times. Much of that research was discussed during Wednesday’s Research Report Day, hosted by the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC). University of Georgia (UGA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists presented research that will help growers navigate production challenges, such as pest and disease issues, …
NCBA Environmental Stewardship Award Program Regional Winners Announced
(NCBA/SAN ANTONIO, TX/Feb. 4, 2025) — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) recognized seven of the nation’s top cattle operations during CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio as Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) Regional winners for their conservation efforts. “Conservation practices of cattle farmers and ranchers across the country help to preserve natural resources and provide wildlife habitat,” said NCBA President Mark …
Concerns about Short Rotations
There has been talk that more peanuts may be grown this year. But as Tyron Spearman reports, that is raising concerns about short rotations. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement …
Get Your Tickets for the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet
Tickets are on sale for the 45th annual Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet, which will take place on Feb. 11th. This year four inductees, who have made invaluable contributions to Florida agriculture, will be honored. They are Cary and Marcia Lightsey, Madeline Mellinger, and Jim Strickland. The banquet, which each year celebrates the accomplishments of industry leaders who have served …
Inductees in the Cattlemen’s Hall of Fame
The Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show continues today in San Antonio, Texas. Mark Oppold looks at those being of inducted in this year’s Cattlemen’s Hall of Fame. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of …
Farmers Could Benefit from Biofuels under New Administration
Farmers could get some relief, at least from biofuels, as the new White House, EPA and other agencies start to roll out policies. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is optimistic the new administration will help, not hinder agriculture stuck under the weight of high input costs and low commodity prices. RFA’s Troy Bredenkamp said the ethanol industry expects the president and his …
NASDA Sets Federal Policy Priorities for 2025
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) has announced its top five policy priorities for 2025. The organization’s Board of Directors selected these key issues to guide their efforts in shaping agricultural policy over the next year. The priorities include the farm bill, food systems, pesticide regulations, PFAS contamination, and state cooperative agreement funding. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney …
American Agriculture History Minute: Looking at New Mexico Diverse Agriculture
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. When considering top agricultural states in the country, New Mexico most likely doesn’t come to mind. But New Mexico is often the largest producer of pecans in the US, competing with states like Georgia and Texas. They have a diverse agriculture, including cattle, onions, alfalfa, cotton production, hay, and dairy. New …
American Agriculture History Minute: Livestock Changes the Land
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. Colonists had more access to land in the U.S. than they did in Europe, but the acquisition came with some problems. European agricultural practices greatly affected the landscape. Colonists brought livestock over from Europe, which caused many changes in the land. Grazing animals required a lot of land and food, and …










