Westward Expansion

Westward Expansion: The Harsh Beginnings of America’s Frontier Farmers

Dan American Agriculture History Minute, This Land of Ours

The Struggle to Move West Westward expansion in the United States did not happen quickly or easily. The journey beyond the original colonies demanded courage, endurance, and determination. Settlers faced political restrictions, natural obstacles, and the daunting task of surviving on unfamiliar land. The American dream of heading west began as a slow, hard-fought process—one that would eventually define the …

soil

How Early Farmers Learned to Protect Their Soil

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

The Dawn of Soil Conservation in Early American Farming In the early years of American settlement, the nation’s farmers often took the vastness of the land for granted. As Mark Oppold explains in this American Agriculture History Minute, early settlers “tended to be careless with the use and care of their soil.” With the seemingly endless frontier before them, many …

early 19th-century

Early 19th-Century American Farming and Westward Expansion

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

America’s Agricultural Roots In the early 1800s, American agriculture was the backbone of the national economy. As Mark Oppold explains in An American Agriculture History Minute, most citizens relied on farming not only for income but also for food security. Families grew crops and raised animals primarily to sustain themselves, with only a small portion sold at nearby local markets. …

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 …

Cattle Producers Watching the Weather

Will Jordan General

The cold winter weather has been hard on many cattle herds across the country. Mark Oppold notes weight gains are a real concern. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To Extend ResearchNovember 7, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober 31, 2025

Looking at Brazil’s Corn Crop

Will Jordan General

Today, Mark Oppold has a look at the corn crop in Brazil, and how that may be affecting the markets here. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To Extend ResearchNovember 7, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober 31, 2025

Short Positions in the Corn Market

Will Jordan General

We are seeing more short positions in the corn market than normal for this time of the year. Mark Oppold has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To Extend ResearchNovember 7, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober 31, 2025

Tracking Lows in the Corn and Soybean Markets

Will Jordan General

Many continue to track lows in both the corn and soybean markets after last week’s trading. Mark Oppold has more on that, along with the latest information from Wall Street. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To Extend ResearchNovember 7, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida …

Details from New Farmland Values Report

Will Jordan General

A new report looks at farmland values for last year. Mark Oppold has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To Extend ResearchNovember 7, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober 31, 2025

Waiting on New Numbers

Will Jordan General

Many grain traders are waiting to see what the numbers will show in a new report. Mark Oppold has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To Extend ResearchNovember 7, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober 31, 2025