key ports

Key Ports Shut Down will Affect World Market

It’s taken some time, but world focus shifting from the Strait of Hormuz to what may be a bigger story by the end of the year, the Black Sea area. Ukraine has quietly developed drone technology, but the result’s anything but quiet. As many as 150 Russian-linked ships have been hit since shelling began, shutting down some key ports in …

turnpikes

How America’s First Turnpikes Helped Transform U.S. Agriculture

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

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

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

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. …

American Peanut Council

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 …

Benjamin Franklin

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

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 …

December corn

Keeping an Eye on December Corn

We’ve mentioned several times on this program that history shows December corn can top 7 to 10 days before the 4th or 7 to 10 days after. Analysts wonder if that has happened this year. The run-up in corn and beans early week has faded some here late week so now watching December corn 368, 369, all highs from this …

U.S. Postal System

How the U.S. Postal System Helped Connect Early America

The Origins of the U.S. Postal System and Its Importance to Early American Communities Communication has always played a vital role in the growth and development of American agriculture and rural communities. Long before modern mail delivery, email, or instant communication, colonists relied on handwritten letters carried across the Atlantic to stay connected with family, conduct business, and share important …