America’s First Toll Roads Opened New Markets for Farmers When most people think about American agriculture history, turnpike roads probably don’t come to mind. Yet these early transportation projects played a critical role in helping farmers move their products to market and supporting the growth of the young nation’s agricultural economy. In this edition of the American Agriculture History Minute, …
Bright Future for Cattle Industry as NCBA Wraps up Meeting
Nearly 700 cattle producers from across the country gathered last week in Aurora, Colorado for the Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting, and the message coming out of the event is one of optimism for the cattle business. Hosted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the meeting brought producers together to discuss policy priorities, efforts on beef promotion, industry challenges, and …
National Peanut Board Launches New Campaign
The National Peanut Board, funded by a checkoff program by U.S. peanut farmers, they have launched a new evolution of its Something’s Missing for Food Service campaign. This food service campaign is building on last year’s awareness effort with a stronger focus on lead generation, operator confidence, and real-world momentum in the K-12 grade schools and the college and university …
Steel Lug Wheels to Rubber Tires: A Revolution in American Agriculture
How Rubber Tires Changed Farming Forever The evolution of farm equipment has played a critical role in improving agricultural productivity across the United States. One of the most significant advancements came during the early 20th century with the transition from steel lug wheels to rubber tires on tractors—a development that forever changed the efficiency, comfort, and speed of farming operations. …
Dairy Producers Gather on Capitol Hill to Support Ag Labor Reform
Recently, dairy advocates from across the country met on Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers to support the agricultural labor reform. This is in conclusion of a National Milk Producers Federation summit for state dairy associations. According to the National Milk Producers Federation, quote, the two-day meeting brought more than three dozen advocates to Washington, with farmers and industry leaders sharing …
American Peanut Council Promotes Peanuts During FIFA
The American Peanut Council has been busy promoting peanuts during the FIFA World Cup games. They were in Mexico City during the start of the Cup Series. The American Peanut Council exhibited U.S. peanut products at the USA Pavilion at the World Cup Global Village in Mexico City. Alongside the U.S. Embassy, they represented the story of U.S. peanuts with …
Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle Numbers to Change
Technical signals clearly show live cattle and feeder cattle futures heavily oversold, but a correction could be a slow process. Even though cattle and feeder cattle futures are the most oversold so far this year now, as we end the week, managed money traders holding long positions have been throwing in the towel here late week, pushing August live cattle …
Benjamin Franklin and the Birth of America’s Postal System
Benjamin Franklin Laid the Foundation for the U.S. Postal Service Communication has always played a vital role in the growth of American agriculture, commerce, and government. Long before modern technology connected rural communities, the postal system served as the backbone of communication across the young nation. During this edition of American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights the origins of …
Oklahoma Case Highlights Growing Focus on Poultry Litter Management
A major environmental settlement in Oklahoma could have implications for poultry-producing states across the Southeast. After more than two decades of litigation, Oklahoma Attorney General Drummond has announced a nearly $44 million settlement with six poultry companies over pollution concerns in the Illinois River watershed. The lawsuit originally filed in 2005 accused poultry growers and integrators of contributing to nutrient …
Legislation Introduced to Reform H2A Ag Workforce Program
U.S. House of Representatives Ag Committee Chairman Glenn T., G.T. Thompson has introduced legislation to provide some reforms to the H-2A Ag Workforce Program. This bipartisan act, he said, is supported by the U.S. Peanut Federation. The Securing Agricultural Workforce Act specializes in addressing labor challenges and labor problems as visitors come to the U.S. and work in the fields …










