Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “This Land of Ours”
A Persistent Pest Problem in the Mid-20th Century In the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, cattle producers across the southern United States faced a major challenge: the Gulf Coast tick. These pests would burrow into the ears of cattle, causing painful open wounds. Unfortunately, the problem didn’t stop there. These wounds attracted additional threats, most notably the screw worm, …
A Revolutionary Incentive: Land Grants in 1776 In the earliest days of the American Republic, before military pensions or cash enlistment bonuses existed, a unique form of compensation helped build the foundation of both national defense and American agriculture. During the Revolutionary War, General George Washington faced the daunting task of recruiting and retaining soldiers to fight against the British. …
Honoring Unsung Contributors to Agricultural Life In the rich history of agricultural innovation, names like Cyrus McCormick (mechanical reaper), John Deere (steel plow), and Eli Whitney (cotton gin) are firmly etched into the collective memory. These inventors transformed the landscape of American farming with their groundbreaking contributions. But another lesser-known innovator also played a role in improving rural life—especially for …
The Roots of Irrigation In today’s American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold sheds light on the long and fascinating history of irrigating cropland. While modern systems are sophisticated and efficient, the practice of irrigation dates back thousands of years. Ancient farmers in Asia and Africa were among the first to manipulate water for agriculture, devising rudimentary yet effective techniques to …
A Look Back: Key Turning Points in American Agriculture From horsepower to genetic engineering—three revolutions that redefined the American farm In today’s American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold reflects on the three most transformative revolutions in U.S. farming history. These turning points have shaped the way American agriculture operates, from the earliest innovations to cutting-edge science. The First Revolution: Industrial …
The Forgotten Role of Roads in Ag History In today’s American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights a surprisingly critical piece of infrastructure that helped shape the nation’s farming future—early turnpike roads. While we often think of tractors, irrigation systems, and railroads when discussing agricultural development, the role of rural roads was equally foundational. Turnpikes: A Solution to Isolation In …
From Steel Lugs to Rubber: A Turning Point in Ag Innovation How Florida Growers and Harvey Firestone Changed Farming Forever In the early days of American agriculture, tractors and steam engines rolled on steel lug wheels—a technological advancement for their time, but far from perfect. These rigid wheels caused extreme vibrations, often shook bolts loose, and carved deep holes into …
Colonial Communication Before Post Offices In the early 1600s, communication between American colonists and their families back in Britain was a slow and uncertain process. Without an established postal system, letters were entrusted to cargo ships making the transatlantic journey—often taking several months to arrive at their destination. Lacking official postal offices, colonists would leave letters at local inns or …
The Founding of America’s Postal System and Its Role in Agriculture In this edition of American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold reflects on how early American infrastructure helped support agricultural expansion across the continent—starting with the postal service. In 1775, Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first Postmaster General by the Continental Congress. Though his term lasted just one year—ending when …
Early Transportation Challenges in American Agriculture In the early 1700s, fur traders and trappers faced immense difficulties moving goods through New York’s rugged waterways. They relied on birchbark canoes to travel the rivers and streams of the region. While effective, these vessels were no match for the rapids and waterfalls that dotted the terrain. Canoes had to be unloaded and …
