Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “American Agriculture History Minute”
Honoring a Pioneer in American Agriculture In the story of modern agriculture, few names stand as tall as Norman Borlaug. Born in Cresco, Iowa, in 1914, Borlaug devoted his life to advancing agricultural science and improving global food security. His groundbreaking work as an agronomist transformed farming practices, increased crop yields, and helped feed millions around the world. The Green …
Rethinking the “Pristine Wilderness” Myth When Europeans first arrived in the New World, many believed they had discovered untouched wilderness—vast forests, endless plains, and fertile river valleys waiting to be cultivated. But this perception was far from the truth. Long before European settlement, Native American communities had already been shaping, managing, and cultivating the land through advanced agricultural practices. Far …
Agriculture’s Early Roots in America Agriculture has always been at the heart of America’s growth. Long before tractors, hybrid seeds, or modern irrigation systems, farmers and thinkers were searching for ways to improve yields, preserve soil, and secure the nation’s food supply. While many farm organizations thrive today, the very first to formally promote agriculture in the United States was …
A Pioneer in Agriculture Henry A. Wallace is widely celebrated as the father of hybrid seed corn and the founder of the Pioneer Hybrid Seed Company. His groundbreaking work in developing hybrid corn transformed American agriculture, significantly increasing crop yields and shaping modern farming practices. Wallace’s contributions to agriculture were both scientific and entrepreneurial, establishing him as a pivotal figure …
Seizing Opportunity During the Great Depression The Great Depression challenged countless rural American families, yet it also offered opportunities for those in the right place at the right time. In southern Missouri, a young farmer—John W. Tyson—recognized a chance to deliver chickens to larger metropolitan markets across the Midwest. While many struggled to survive, this early venture gave him practical …
A Young Innovator in Iowa In 1904, a 16-year-old high school student in Iowa began experimenting with corn in the hopes of boosting crop yields. That student, Henry A. Wallace, was already demonstrating the vision and curiosity that would later shape American agriculture. Even while pursuing his education at Iowa State University, Wallace continued to study and refine his methods …
Early Recognition of Forest Stewardship Even as America’s early settlers were clearing land to establish homesteads and plant crops, the government recognized the importance of protecting and managing the nation’s forests. By the mid-19th century, concerns about forest conditions and sustainability began to take shape in national policy. Establishing Federal Oversight In 1876, Congress created an office within the U.S. …
The Roots of Agricultural Support The Department of Agriculture was first established in 1862, but it would take more than 50 years before one of its most impactful programs came to life. With the passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914, the USDA Extension Service was officially created. This initiative formed a partnership between the USDA and land-grant universities to …
Farm Families and the Birth of Agricultural Policy As farm families moved westward and settled across the American heartland, they were unknowingly shaping the foundation of U.S. agriculture. Their struggles, innovations, and resilience created a living history that would later influence government officials tasked with developing agricultural policy. Recognizing the importance of this legacy, a few forward-thinking scholars insisted that …
The Shift That Changed Farming Forever I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. The story of American farming is filled with innovation, but one of the most transformative shifts was the move from horsepower to tractor power. While today it seems natural to see tractors in every field, the transition was anything but quick or simple. Why Farmers …
