Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “American Agriculture History Minute”
Mark Oppold with an American agriculture history minute explains that there were a lot of agricultural discoveries in the travels of Lewis and Clark, not just discovering new lands. Historians note that as the expedition journeyed up the Missouri River in search of the Northwest Passage, members of the expedition took careful notes on agricultural practices they encountered. Native American …
Mark Oppold presents an American Agriculture History Minute, describing the challenging conditions of rural life in the mid-1930s, noting that 90% of rural homes lacked electricity. Farmers had to perform tasks like milking cows by hand using kerosene lamps, and families relied on basic wood-range washboards for domestic chores. Mark further explains how the lack of electricity significantly impacted rural …
Mark Oppold presents an American Agriculture History Minute, explains that the story of rural electrification began during the 1932 presidential campaign when Democratic nominee Franklin Roosevelt toured the South. During this tour, Roosevelt was deeply affected by witnessing the widespread poverty and sanitation issues in rural areas. Mark describes how Roosevelt believed that bringing electricity to rural areas would be …
Mark Oppold presents an American Agriculture History Minute, focuses on the historical development of rural electrification in America during the Roosevelt administration. Mark explains that when President Roosevelt took office in 1933, the initiative to provide electricity to rural America gained significant momentum. Mark further details that on May 11, 1935, President Roosevelt established the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) through …
Mark Oppold presents an American agriculture history minute, discussing the evolution of electrification in America during the early 1900s. He highlights how electric power transformed from a luxury to an essential utility in urban areas by the 1920s, with more than half of urban homes having electric lights and appliances. Mark then contrasts this urban development with rural conditions, noting …
Mark Oppold presents an American Agriculture History Minute, highlighting the significant transformation in rural American life during the 1930s. Mark notes that before 1930, over 90% of rural homes relied on kerosene lamps for lighting, and basic amenities like running water and indoor bathrooms were impossible without electricity. Mark also describes the momentous occasion known as ‘zero-hour’ when electricity finally reached …
Mark Oppold presents an American agriculture history minute, revealing that Oregon is known as the grass seed capital of the world, leading the nation in both grass seed and hazelnut production. The state’s agricultural profile is notably diverse compared to other West Coast states. Mark highlights Oregon’s consistent top performance in various agricultural products, including Christmas trees, onions, sweet berries, …
Mark Oppold presents an American Agriculture History minute, focusing on the origins of Valley Irrigation. In 1946, Robert Doherty identified an opportunity in a small manufacturing company near Valley, Nebraska. He invested his life savings of $5,000 in Valley Manufacturing, which initially focused on farm elevators. A significant development occurred when Frank Ziebach created a prototype for a center pivot irrigation …
Mark Oppold presents an American Agriculture History minute, focusing on the history of the Garst and Thomas Hybrid Corn Company. The story begins in 1931 when Roswell Garst and Charlie Thomas founded their company in Coon Rapids, Iowa. The company played a crucial role in promoting hybrid corn adoption during that era. A significant milestone occurred in 1959 when Roswell …
Mark Oppold presents an American agriculture history minute focuses on Eugene Funk, grandson of Isaac Funk, who was one of McLean County, Illinois’ pioneering settlers and renowned livestock producers. Eugene’s family background in successful livestock operations influenced their interest in corn improvement. Mark details Eugene’s educational journey, including three years of scientific studies at Yale and a year in Europe. …
