Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “American Agriculture History Minute”
Revolutionizing Grain Storage The 19th century was a period of rapid innovation in American agriculture, with one of the most transformative developments being the conveyor-type grain elevator. These mechanical marvels not only increased efficiency but also reshaped trade routes and commercial hubs across the nation. Buffalo, New York: A Strategic Hub Conveyor-type grain elevators can be traced back to Buffalo, …
A Little-Known Agricultural Innovator In the story of American agriculture, many names stand out, but others remain lesser known despite their lasting impact. One such figure is Jean Étienne de Boré, born in 1741 in a small village along the Mississippi River in Illinois. Though his early life began in the Midwest, it was in Louisiana where his contributions would …
A Legacy Beyond the Farm and the Laboratory In the history of American agriculture, some of the most influential figures never planted a field or worked in a laboratory. One of those figures is E.T. York, a visionary leader who shaped agricultural progress through education, policy, and extension work. Born in 1922 in Alabama, York represents the power of leadership …
The Vision of Henry Groseclose (1920) Henry Groseclose holds a vital place in American agricultural history. As an agricultural education teacher at Blacksburg, Virginia High School, Groseclose recognized the importance of preparing young people for a future in farming. In March 1920, he organized a club for high school boys who were interested in pursuing agriculture as a career. His …
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 …
