America’s Agricultural Roots In the early 1800s, American agriculture was the backbone of the national economy. As Mark Oppold explains in An American Agriculture History Minute, most citizens relied on farming not only for income but also for food security. Families grew crops and raised animals primarily to sustain themselves, with only a small portion sold at nearby local markets. …
USMEF Chair Elect Reflects on Recent UK Trade Mission
U.S. Red Meat Export Opportunities Grow Following UK Trade Mission Jay Thieler, chair-elect of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), recently returned from a trade mission to the United Kingdom with Idaho Governor Brad Little, where the delegation explored the expanding potential for U.S. red meat exports—particularly beef and pork. Thieler shared his insights on the trip and the market …
Shutdown Hitting Crucial Tools for Farmers
Government Shutdown Creates Major Headaches for U.S. Farmers and Ranchers The ongoing government shutdown is causing widespread disruption across America’s farm country, delaying essential services and creating more stress for already burdened farmers and ranchers. According to Politico, the shutdown is having a direct impact on the agricultural sector: “Politico points out that the shutdown is stalling the delivery of …
Update on US China Trade Talks
U.S.-China Trade Relations Reach New Low Over Rare Minerals, Tariffs Tensions between the United States and China escalated late last week, and markets—including Wall Street and the CME Group—continue to respond with volatility and concern. “U.S. and Chinese trade relations began to sour late last week, Wall Street and the CME Group continue to react even today.” What many hoped …
Sunbelt Ag Expo Hay Contest Winners Announced
Record-Breaking Year for Hay Contest at 2025 Sunbelt Ag Expo The hay contest at Sunbelt Ag Expo continues to be a source of pride for hay producers across the Southeast. We caught up with Dr. Lisa Baxter to learn about the highlights of this year’s competition, including a record-breaking number of entries and standout winners. “This is our 21st year …
US Secretary of Agriculture Provides Comments on Ag Economy
U.S. Ag Secretary Addresses Soybean Trade and Farm Economy Amid China Talks With ongoing trade discussions with China affecting the sale of U.S. soybeans, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently shared insights into the current state of the agriculture economy during an appearance on Fox News. Rollins discussed highlights from a recent cabinet meeting and emphasized the importance of …
Sunbelt Ag Expo Preview Events and Food
Don’t Miss the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia The Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia is underway, and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest events in U.S. agriculture this year. “Over 700 exhibitors will be on display and demonstrate products and welcome thousands of visitors to the 100-acre show site.” Recognized as a leader in agricultural …
New 100 Percent Tariff on China by November?
Trump Responds to China’s Mineral Export Curbs With Tariff Threats Tensions between the U.S. and China are escalating once again, this time over critical mineral exports. The Chinese government announced it would curb critical mineral exports to countries like the United States, sparking an immediate and forceful response from the White House. “President Donald Trump threatened to up the ante …
Ethnic Roots of American Agriculture: How Immigrants Shaped U.S. Farming
The Immigrant Influence on American Agriculture I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. Ethnic groups played a vital role in shaping early American agriculture. Immigrants brought unique farming practices, tools, and traditions that differed widely from one group to another. For example, German settlers introduced crop rotation methods and livestock management techniques distinct from English, Scottish, or Irish …
Sunbelt Ag Expo Highlights
Sunbelt Agricultural Expo 2025 Is This Week in Moultrie, GA The Sunbelt Agricultural Expo 2025 is happening this week, Tuesday through Thursday, at Spence Field in Moultrie, Georgia. This is the South’s premier farm show, and “you don’t want to miss it.” More than 700 exhibitors will be on hand to display and demonstrate the latest in agricultural products and …










