The Roots of Agricultural Support The Department of Agriculture was first established in 1862, but it would take more than 50 years before one of its most impactful programs came to life. With the passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914, the USDA Extension Service was officially created. This initiative formed a partnership between the USDA and land-grant universities to …
Farm Families and the Birth of Agricultural Policy As farm families moved westward and settled across the American heartland, they were unknowingly shaping the foundation of U.S. agriculture. Their struggles, innovations, and resilience created a living history that would later influence government officials tasked with developing agricultural policy. Recognizing the importance of this legacy, a few forward-thinking scholars insisted that …
Georgia Cotton and Peanut Day Highlights Industry Research and EU Trade Progress The Georgia Cotton Commission and the Georgia Peanut Commission are joining forces to host Cotton and Peanut Day this week, offering producers valuable updates on research, policy, and international trade developments. “Coming up on the peanut calendar this week, the Georgia Cotton Commission and the Georgia Peanut Commission …
USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden Updates on New World Screw Worm Prevention Efforts During last week’s Farm Progress Show in Illinois, U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden provided an important update on the New World Screw Worm, a pest posing a threat to livestock and humans. Vaden addressed recent concerns following a human detection case, sharing crucial insights …
Fall Pork Outlook: Tighter Supply, Competitive Prices, and Pork Month Demand As the fall season approaches, the pork industry is bracing for tight supplies and shifting market dynamics. According to a new report from the National Pork Board, pork is expected to remain a price-competitive protein option for consumers, even as production lags behind expectations. “A National Pork Board report …
December Corn Tests Resistance as Cattle Markets Hit All-Time Highs The grain and livestock markets are showing diverging trends as December corn flirts with technical resistance, while October live cattle and feeder cattle post record highs. “December corn stalled just short of that 50-day moving average. We do still see that pre-harvest low near 390 holding through the harvest.” As …
David Newman Named New CEO of the National Pork Board The National Pork Board has officially named David Newman as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a new chapter in leadership for the organization that represents nearly 60,000 U.S. pork producers. Newman steps into the role after serving the past two years as Senior Vice President of Market Growth. Gordon …
The Shift That Changed Farming Forever I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. The story of American farming is filled with innovation, but one of the most transformative shifts was the move from horsepower to tractor power. While today it seems natural to see tractors in every field, the transition was anything but quick or simple. Why Farmers …
Peanut Crop Report: USDA Updates on Condition and Disease Pressure Across the Southeast Overview of USDA Peanut Crop Report The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the USDA has recently released an update on the current status of the peanut crop across the Southeast. As of the latest data, the condition of the peanut crop shows varying levels of health …
USDA Announces Commitment to Expand Rural Food Animal Veterinarians U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins made a significant announcement last week in Mississippi regarding the shortage of rural food animal veterinarians across the United States. Recognizing the critical role veterinarians play in supporting rural America’s farmers and ranchers, the USDA is launching initiatives to expand the veterinary workforce in rural …
