A Defining Route in Agricultural History The Oregon Trail remains one of the most significant routes in American history, playing a vital role in the nation’s agricultural development. Stretching 2,170 miles, the trail connected Missouri to Oregon, serving as a lifeline for thousands of pioneers in the 19th century. Crossing the Heart of the Nation The eastern portion of the …
USDA Investments to Address Trade Barriers Expand Market Access
USDA Awards $8.3 Million to Boost International Market Access for U.S. Specialty Crops The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $8.3 million in funding to assist 11 recipients in expanding global market access for U.S. specialty crops. The funding is part of the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) Program, managed by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). TASC helps …
Illinois River History: Gateway to Agriculture and Trade
A Vital Waterway in the Heart of the Midwest The Illinois River has long been an essential part of America’s agricultural history. Stretching 273 miles, the river begins at the confluence of the Des Plaines and Kankakee Rivers in the Chicago metropolitan area. From there, it flows southwest across the state of Illinois, eventually joining the mighty Mississippi River near …
Agriculture’s Hall of Fame Welcomes Three New Inductees in October
Every major sport has its Hall of Fame—and so does American agriculture. Just outside of Kansas City, the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs, Kansas, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the nation’s food, fiber, and farming industries. “Every major sport has its Hall of Fame. So does agriculture. The National …
Colorado River: Lifeline of the American West
A Vital Waterway in American Agriculture The Colorado River, stretching an impressive 1,450 miles, stands as the fifth-longest river in the United States. Its name, Colorado, comes from the Spanish word for “colored reddish,” a reference to the river’s heavy silt load that once gave it a distinctive hue. Originating in the central Rocky Mountains, this river plays a critical …
October 12th Proclaimed as Farmers Day in Alabama
Governor Kay Ivey Proclaims October 12 as Farmer’s Day in Alabama Farmers across Alabama are getting long-overdue recognition thanks to a new statewide observance. Last week, Governor Kay Ivey officially proclaimed October 12th as Farmer’s Day in Alabama, joined by Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate. We spoke with Commissioner Pate to learn what inspired this important …
Researchers Addressing Cyber Vulnerabilities in U.S. Agriculture
University of Nebraska Leads Efforts to Defend U.S. Agriculture from Cyberattacks With the rapid adoption of digital tools in modern farming, American agriculture is becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. The same sensors, GPS, and cloud-based systems that drive precision and efficiency are also opening the door to cybercriminals targeting critical farm infrastructure and data. From livestock management software to automated …
Bill To Provide More Timely Support Through PLC Introduced
Farm Rescue Act Aims to Deliver Faster Relief for U.S. Farmers in Tough Economy Amid growing economic pressure on America’s farmers, a new piece of legislation is making waves in Washington. The Farm Rescue Act, introduced this week by Congresswoman Julia Lutlow, is designed to provide timely financial relief for producers enrolled in the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program. “Well, …
National Farm Safety and Health Week Highlights Harvest Season Hazards
It’s harvest time across rural America, and whether it’s grains, fruits, vegetables, or grapes, farmers are in full swing gathering the year’s bounty. It’s no coincidence that this week in September has been designated as National Farm Safety and Health Week—a timely reminder that safety and wellness are just as critical as yields. “It’s harvest time across rural America, be …
New World Screwworm Reported 70 Miles from US Mexico Border
New World Screwworm Detected Closer To US Border: USDA Responds Swiftly to Livestock Threat The livestock industry is on high alert as the deadly New World Screwworm (NWS) moves closer to the United States. Over the weekend, the USDA confirmed the closest detection of the pest yet—just 70 miles from the US-Mexico border, marking a significant development in the ongoing …










