American Agriculture History

American Agriculture History Minute-Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm Legislation

I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. In 1856, the Iowa General Assembly enacted legislation to establish the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm. This institution is now Iowa State University and officially established March 1858. Story County and Ames was chosen as the location in June 1859. The original farm consisted of 648 acres and purchased for …

FARM Bill 2.0

New Initiative for Peanut Growers

There’s a new initiative for peanut growers concerning sustainability. As Tyron Spearman, the first step is to sign up. Click here to learn more about the Sustainable U.S. Peanut Initiative. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding …

walnuts

Walnuts Declared “Healthy” Under New FDA Definition

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that walnuts meet its updated criteria for foods that can be labeled or identified as “healthy.” This change is designed to align food labeling with the latest nutrition research and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It also aims to help consumers make more informed decisions when building healthy eating patterns. According …

farm bill

Burdensome EU Deforestation Rule Delayed for a Year

Last week, the European Parliament voted to delay implementation of a deforestation regulation for a year, providing a reprieve for U.S. cattlemen. Rusty Halvorson has the story. According to U.S. Meat Export Federation, the rule will require imports of beef and other goods to include documentation showing they did not come from areas impacted by deforestation. In the case of beef, …

E-15

Encouraging Use of Ethanol Blended Fuels

During the holiday season, many miles are being driven by folks across the country. And according to a report from Mark Oppold, they are all being encouraged to use ethanol blended fuels. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …

fertilizer

Study Shows Fertilizer’s Economic Impact

The Fertilizer Institute released the 2024 Fertilizer Industry Economic Impact Study, highlighting the importance and economic contributions of the U.S. fertilizer industry on national, state, and local economies. The study also underscores the global nature of fertilizer markets and the importance of open markets and fair competition in providing farmers access to vital nutrients exactly when and where they are needed. …

Christmas tree

Give Your Christmas Tree Life After the Holidays

When finished with that Christmas tree, quite a few are sent to landfills. But according to a story from Clint Thompson, there are alternatives to recycle and repurpose those trees. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding …

American Agriculture History

American Agriculture History Minute: Women’s Progression in Agriculture

I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. In the 1860s, when many men marched off to the Civil War, many farms were left to the care of women, children, and older farmers. New machinery made it possible for them to produce food to support their families and support the armies.  Women kept up their usual washing, cooking, and …

ge corn

U.S. Wins USMCA Biotechnology Dispute with Mexico, Securing Market Access for GE Corn

The United States has successfully resolved a critical trade dispute with Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), securing a victory for American agriculture. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced that an independent panel convened under USMCA rules unanimously sided with the U.S. on all seven legal claims related to Mexico’s restrictions on genetically engineered (GE) corn imports. The panel …

A Cowboy’s Christmas Prayer

As we celebrate Christmas again this year, Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman brings back an old favorite, “A Cowboy’s Christmas Prayer” written by S. Omar Barker. A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PRAYERby S. Omar Barker (1895-1985)  I ain’t much good at prayin’,and You may not know me, Lord —For I ain’t much seen in churches,where they preach Thy Holy Word.But you may have …