I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. Brothers Charles and Newton Butler founded Butler Manufacturing Company in Kansas City, 1901. The two worked together on building an improved livestock watering tank. And, during the early 1900s, the men designed and built several agricultural products, particularly grain storage bins. The company enjoyed success selling the merchandise and by 1908, …
Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Urges Congress to Provide Economic Relief to Farmers
(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL/Dec. 17, 2024) — Farmers across the Alabama and the nation are facing historic economic hardships. Record inflation, high input costs, high interest rates and low prices for several agricultural commodities could force many farms out of business or cause them to choose to no longer farm in 2025, if federal action is not taken by the U.S. Congress. …
Governor, Cabinet Approve Protection of Over 62,000 Acres of Working Florida Farms, Ranches
Historic Vote Boosts Preservation Inventory by 50%, Protecting Florida’s Agricultural Future (FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Dec. 17, 2024) — The Governor and Cabinet, sitting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, approved the preservation of over 62,000 acres of working Florida farms and ranches through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The …
Disappointment with Lack of Economic Assistance for Farmers
Many in agriculture are disappointed after the recent breakdown of congressional discussions on the inclusion of economic assistance for farmers in upcoming appropriations legislation. Tyron Spearman reports this includes the United States Peanut Federation. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research …
Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Promoting Podcast
For the past few months, the staff at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) has been producing a podcast, talking about a variety of issues of importance to producers across the state. And according to ACA Director of Communications, Kayla Greer, a new recording studio is now a part of their building in Montgomery. Click here to start listening to podcasts the ACA has …
Florida Beef Council Preparing for 2025
The Florida Beef Council (FBC) recently met to discuss a variety of things, including promotions for next year. According to FBC Executive Vice President Jim Handley, this includes working with the Florida Cattlewomen on a couple of projects. For more information on Beef Checkoff activities in Florida, contact the FBC office in Kissimmee. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well …
Georgia Beef Board Promoting Beef for the Holidays
With the holiday period just a few days away, the Georgia Beef Board (GBB) is busy again this year promoting a variety of beef dishes for your festive meals. They are urging people to choose beef for their tables this year, as there are many different ideas available no matter what the holiday event may be. The GBB is reminding consumers across …
The Magnificent Seven on Wall Street
There is a group of stocks on Wall Street known as the Magnificent Seven. Mark Oppold explains who they are and how traders are looking at them right now. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded …
USDA Awards Grants to Support Private Forestland Management
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced awards of nearly $335 million to help strengthen financial incentives for private forest landowners to manage their forests sustainably and to permanently conserve private forests in partnership with states. Of the total funding, nearly $210 million was awarded as competitive grants to state agencies, for-profit entities and a broad array of non-profit organizations. These …
Commodity Groups Advocate for Economic Assistance Amid Farm Bill Delays
Farmers across the United States are facing growing financial pressures, and commodity groups are stepping up their calls for economic assistance as Congress continues to deliberate on a new farm bill. Organizations representing a wide array of crops and livestock have expressed concern over declining farm incomes, rising production costs, and the uncertainty stemming from the expiration of the previous …










