Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Education”
Expanding America’s Land-Grant Tradition Most land-grant universities Americans know today—such as Iowa State University and Kansas State University—trace their origins to the landmark Morrill Act of 1862. This legislation established a new model for public higher education, focused on practical instruction in agriculture, engineering, and the mechanical arts. Following the act, states across the nation founded colleges and universities that …
A Civil War–Era Beginning Kansas State University—initially named Kansas State Agricultural College—was founded on February 16, 1863, in Manhattan, Kansas. Remarkably, its establishment occurred during the American Civil War, a time when national conflict threatened the stability of institutions across the country. Yet Kansas leaders pressed forward, committed to building a university that would serve the new state’s educational and …
Exploring an Often Overlooked Chapter of American Agriculture History Land-grant universities remain one of the most influential forces in American agricultural development, scientific advancement, and educational access. Their story begins with the Morrill Act of 1862, a landmark piece of legislation that provided federal land to states to establish colleges focused on agriculture and mechanical arts. This act forever transformed …
The Origins of Iowa State University: A Landmark in Agricultural Education In a recent American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlighted one of the most important milestones in U.S. agricultural education: the establishment of what is known today as Iowa State University. Its roots trace back to the mid-19th century, a time when states were laying foundations for institutions that …
U.S. Specialty Crop Growers Urge USDA to End Buy American Waivers for School Meals A coalition of agricultural groups representing specialty crop growers and processors has sent a letter to Director Russell Vought of the Office of Management and Budget and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, requesting an end to recent waivers granted under the Buy American requirements for …
Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funds Research That Impacts the Future of Florida’s Cattle Industry Florida’s cattle industry is a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural heritage, and its future depends on innovation, sustainability, and research-driven progress. The Florida Cattle Enhancement Board (FCEB) plays a vital role in funding studies and initiatives that help cattle producers adapt to modern challenges, improve herd …
98th National FFA Convention and Expo Kicks Off in Indianapolis The 98th National FFA Convention and Expo officially kicks off today in Indianapolis, Indiana, where FFA members from across the United States are gathering to celebrate agricultural education, leadership, and innovation. Running through November 1, this year’s event will host competitions, award ceremonies, service projects, and career exploration activities, all …
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation are once again investing in the future of agriculture through their annual scholarship program, and the application deadline is quickly approaching—Sunday, November 2. We spoke with Josie Jones from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, who shared more details about this impactful initiative: “The Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation has an annual scholarship program where …
Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Praised for Its Unique Applied Research Program The Florida Cattle Enhancement Board continues to stand out as one of the most innovative programs supporting applied research in the cattle industry. This initiative provides researchers, producers, and industry partners with funding to tackle real-world challenges facing Florida cattle operations. We spoke with Dr. Nicolas DiLorenzo, who shared …
The Beginning of a National Legacy I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. The history of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) is filled with traditions that have shaped generations of agricultural leaders. One of the most iconic symbols of that legacy—the famous blue corduroy jacket—has a story that dates back nearly a century. The very first FFA …
