Mark Oppold shares a fascinating piece of history in today’s American Agriculture History Minute—a look back at the first organized road improvement in the United States. In 1794, the Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike Road became the first turnpike ever constructed in America. While far from the smooth asphalt highways we know today, this road—made of broken stone and gravel—marked a …
Nationwide Increase in Peanut Plantings The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS) has released its latest forecast for peanut acreage in 2025, showing a noticeable increase in planting activity across the country. While official farmer reports are expected by July 15, early estimates suggest that peanut producers have planted approximately 190 million acres nationwide—a 5% rise over …
The US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced last week at a kickoff event to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday. The event, the Great American Farmers Market, will take place during National Farmers Market Week, August 3-8, 2025 and will allow agricultural producers to showcase American Agriculture. This event will be held along the National Mall in Washington DC and will …
Holiday Travel Highlights Rise of Agritourism According to recent estimates from AAA, over 72 million Americans traveled at least 50 miles during the recent holiday period. Of those, between 8 to 10 million travelers sought out agricultural destinations, highlighting the growing appeal of agritourism across the country. Agritourism Fuels Economic Growth Nationwide Agritourism has evolved into a vital sector of …
By 1790, the western boundary of the young United States had reached the eastern edge of the Appalachian Mountains—roughly 255 miles inland from the Atlantic. With a population nearing 4 million, an overwhelming 90% of Americans were farmers, forming the backbone of the nation’s economy and expansion. Just a decade later, wagon trains and caravans carried ambitious settlers westward into …
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is encouraging cattle producers to participate in the Conservation Incentive Program this fall. Kayla Greer with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association explains. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024
Peanut growers do their best to battle leaf spot and white mold with every crop. BASF is reminding growers of the benefits of Provysol® fungicide this season. We spoke with BASF’s Abraham Fulmer who shared some of the unique benefits that sets Provysol® fungicide apart. Learn more about Provysol® Fungicide from BASF. Dale Sandlin with Southeast AgNet reporting. Sponsored ContentWhat …
Windmills have long played a vital role in agriculture—grinding grain, pumping water, and powering essential equipment. But in 1854, a breakthrough in windmill design changed everything. That year, American inventor Daniel Halladay patented the first commercially successful windmill. What set his design apart? Unlike previous stationary windmills, Halladay’s model automatically turned to face the prevailing wind direction—dramatically increasing efficiency. Even …
By Clint Thompson The One Big Beautiful Bill’s passage into law is a win for the Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) and the cotton industry. Taylor Sills, executive director of the GCC, discussed the legislation. “It includes in it an increase in reference price. That reference price is applicable to the 2025 crop. That’s a huge deal for producers that enrolled …
The Ames, Iowa-based Midwest Climate Hub, which along with the other 10 regional climate hubs under the USDA, is slated to be cut from the federal agriculture budget. The U.S. House appropriations bill that sets the 2026 fiscal year budgets for agriculture, rural development, food and drug administration, and related agencies includes no funds for climate hubs or climate corps. …
