Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “agricultural innovation”
Irish-born inventor Harry Ferguson holds a permanent place in American agriculture history for developing one of the most important innovations ever introduced to farming equipment. His work fundamentally changed how tractors and implements function together, improving efficiency, safety, and productivity for farmers worldwide. The Birth of Modern Tractor Technology Ferguson is credited with developing and patenting the first hydraulic lift …
American agriculture has been shaped by countless innovators whose ideas laid the groundwork for modern farming. One such pioneer is Anna Baldwin, a largely overlooked but critically important figure in dairy history. As highlighted by Mark Oppold in this American Agriculture History Minute, Baldwin’s work represents a turning point in how milk production was imagined during the late 19th century. …
USDA Announces New Farm Security Actions to Protect Agricultural Research and Innovation U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a series of coordinated actions focused on agricultural research, innovation, and national security through USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan. The initiatives are designed to strengthen oversight of foreign involvement in U.S. agriculture while ensuring federal programs prioritize American farmers, …
Where Forest Meets Prairie: Iowa’s Agricultural Crossroads Iowa sits at one of North America’s most remarkable natural boundaries — the meeting point of the great eastern forests and the vast western prairies. This was no sharp dividing line, but a gradual shift in the landscape. In Iowa, however, trees finally gave way to endless miles of tallgrass prairie, marking the …
Forage Production Takes Center Stage at the Sunbelt Ag Expo Forage production is a critical part of raising healthy, productive livestock, and this year’s Sunbelt Ag Expo highlighted innovative ways to improve hay and pasture management. Attendees from across the Southeast gathered to explore the latest tools, technologies, and products designed to help producers boost their forage yields and improve …
A Tribute to America’s Agricultural Legacy Across the nation, countless halls of fame celebrate excellence — from sports and music to science and education. Agriculture, the backbone of America’s growth and prosperity, is no exception. The National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame, located in Bonner Springs, Kansas, near Kansas City, stands as a living tribute to the pioneers, innovators, …
Agricultural Expansion and Innovation As America moved into the late 19th century, farming continued to evolve beyond the grain fields that once defined early agriculture. By the 1880s and 1890s, attention shifted toward improving animal production and enhancing meat quality. This era of innovation marked a pivotal moment when farmers and entrepreneurs alike began to see livestock nutrition as the …
The Iron Tracks That Changed Rural America I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. Railroads dramatically changed the face of agriculture and rural America as the nation expanded westward. The idea of a “rail highway” was first envisioned by Colonel John Stevens in 1812, marking the beginning of a transportation revolution that would reshape how goods—and people—moved across …
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 …
