I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. Kansas State University, originally named Kansas State Agricultural College, was founded in Manhattan February 16, 1863, during the American Civil War. It was a land-grant institution under the Morrill Act. In fact, the school was the first land-grant college under the Morrill Act. The effort to establish the school actually began …
HPAI Confirmed in an Alabama Commercial Broiler Farm and a Backyard Flock
(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL/Dec. 16, 2024) — The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial broiler farm in Cullman County and in a backyard flock in Pickens County. Samples from the flocks were tested and confirmed positive at the Alabama …
Hearing on Imitation Dairy Labeling
During a recent hearing, a representative of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was asked about the labeling of imitation dairy products. Rusty Halvorson has more details. During a recent Senate hearing on Capitol Hill, farm state lawmakers pressed officials from the Food and Drug Administration about the misuse of dairy terms in labeling imitation dairy products. The FDA has …
Wall Street Traders Looking Forward to Fed Meeting
Most everyone on Wall Street is looking at this week’s Fed meeting. Mark Oppold has more information about what traders are watching for. 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 by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary …
American Agriculture History Minute: Morrill Act of 1862 and Land-Grant Universities
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. Land -grant universities exist in nearly every state as a result of the Morrill Act of 1862. And when we think of land-grant universities, often universities like Iowa State, Kansas State, the Ohio State, Michigan State, or others come to mind. But there is land-grant universities outside the United States. The …
Cotton Production Forecast from USDA/NASS
All cotton production is forecast at 14.3 million 480-pound bales, up less than 1 percent from the previous forecast and up 18 percent from 2023. Based on conditions as of December 1, yields are expected to average 792 pounds per harvested acre, up 3 pounds from the previous forecast but down 107 pounds from 2023. All cotton area harvested is forecast at 8.63 million acres, unchanged …
Weekly Livestock Market Report Week Ending 12-13-2024
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended December 13, 2024, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: At Alabama Livestock Auctions, for the week ended- December 13, 2024, receipts at 16 markets totaled 11,727 head compared to 16,290 last week and 10,014 last …
FDACS Announces Preservation of Two Florida Family Farms
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has announced the preservation of two Florida farms through their Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). Adams Farm, a 1,687-acre farm located in Walton and Holmes counties, and Triple S Ranch, an 806-acre farm in Citrus County, are being preserved through rural lands protection easements for $2,275,200 and $3,392,000. Adams Farms, Inc. is a …
Research Continues to Keep Fungal Disease Out of U.S. Peanuts
Peanut growers here in the U.S. have enough issues dealing with various pests and diseases. And according to a story from Tyron Spearman, research efforts continue to keep another fungal disease from affecting our peanut crops. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida …
NCBA Responds to Dietary Guidelines Report
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is pushing back against advice from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee that recommends reducing red meat consumption. Rusty Halvorson has more details. According to the NCBA, this advice ignores strong scientific evidence about beef’s essential role in a healthy diet. Mark Eisele, NCBA president, emphasizes that most Americans already eat beef within healthy limits. He describes …









