Ohio State University

How Ohio State University Was Founded: The Land-Grant History Behind the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College

Dan American Agriculture History Minute, Education, This Land of Ours

The Land-Grant Origins of Ohio State University: How a New College Was Chosen to Lead Ohio’s Future The founding of Ohio State University is a defining chapter in both Ohio’s educational history and the broader story of America’s land-grant movement. Born from the Morrill Act of 1862, the institution began as the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College—a school designed to …

iowa-state-university

How Iowa State University Began: The 1856 Origins of America’s First Agricultural College

Dan American Agriculture History Minute, Education, This Land of Ours

A National Moment in Agricultural Advancement In the mid-1800s, agriculture was the driving force of American life, shaping communities, economies, and national expansion. Recognizing the importance of strengthening agricultural knowledge and innovation, the Iowa General Assembly made a landmark decision in 1856: it enacted legislation to create the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm. This initiative marked one of the …

National FFA Convention

National FFA Convention Kicks off Today in Indianapolis

Dan Agri-Business, Education, Events

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 …

Smith-Lever Act

How the Smith-Lever Act Created 4-H and Transformed Rural America

Dan Agri-Business, American Agriculture History Minute, Education, This Land of Ours

A Turning Point in Agricultural Education In 1914, the United States Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act, establishing the Cooperative Extension Service—a transformative program that reshaped how Americans learned about farming, livestock, and home economics. The law created a system that connected land-grant universities with communities across the nation, ensuring that agricultural innovation and scientific research reached producers and their families …

Georgia National Fair

Georgia National Fair Kicks off with Grand Opening Ceremony

Dan Agri-Business, Events, Georgia, Livestock

Georgia National Fair Highlights Agriculture and Livestock Education The Georgia National Fair kicked off last week with a celebration that spotlighted the state’s top youth livestock exhibitors and recognized the winners of last year’s shows. Held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, the event runs from October 2nd to the 12th, featuring a blend of entertainment, agriculture, and education. …