When a fire broke out at a North Carolina nursery on Father’s Day, the farmer had hours to find out whether his contaminated irrigation pond would kill his remaining crops. The experts who answered his call were kayaking, playing baseball, heading to church. Capacity funding is why they picked up.
Renewing the Land-Grant Mission: Why the Future of America’s Food System Depends on It
Walk into any American grocery store and you are looking at one of the most remarkable systems ever built. Behind every shelf sits more than a century and a half of public investment in agricultural science, education, and outreach. It is one of the quiet success stories of American history.
Why It’s Essential To Help Farm Families Plan For What Comes Next
In this Voices of Agriculture piece, Julia Valliant explores the growing challenges of farm succession planning, the risks of delaying those conversations, and the critical role advisors and communities play in helping preserve family farms, support new farmers, and strengthen the future of America’s food system.
By Stephanie Wetter Director of Animal Welfare, National Pork Board I did not grow up in agriculture. Everything I know
A Vision for Agriculture: Innovation Rooted in Trust
In this Voices of Agriculture, Melissa Merlau Johnson of Corteva Agriscience argues that scientists must move beyond facts alone — and start building trust through human connection.
A More Diverse Corn Belt Is Within Reach
The Corn Belt’s corn–soy dominance has delivered productivity, but it has also left farmers, rural communities, and food systems increasingly vulnerable. Drawing on insights from farmers and agricultural stakeholders across Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana, this article explores how diversified cropping systems—supported by smarter policy and stronger markets—can build a more resilient, profitable, and sustainable future for the region.
Water Security Is the Bedrock of Southern High Plains Farming and Ranching
Water is the backbone of farming and ranching in the Southern High Plains, yet it is becoming increasingly unreliable. While producers have long adapted to dry conditions, today’s challenges—declining aquifers, prolonged drought, and rising competition for water—are outpacing traditional solutions.
It’s Time to Include Invasive Plants in the Wildfire Conversation
We often focus on climate change when we talk about today’s wildfires, and rightly so. Climate is a big part of the equation, but it doesn’t cause fire on its own. Invasive plants are rarely acknowledged as part of the wildfire problem.
Ice Cream – We All Scream For Ice Cream
Ice cream has endured centuries of human history—from snow mixed with honey in ancient civilizations to twentieth‑century breweries reinventing themselves during Prohibition. Even today, this beloved staple reflects both innovation and risk, as shown by a 2025 FDA recall affecting ice cream distributed across 23 states.
We Must Invest in Integrated Education and Workforce Development for a Strong Society
Agriculture is not just science and economics applied through hard work. It is the work of data science, economics, communication, ethics, engineering, sociology, environmental science, and creative problem-solving. Agriculture encompasses understanding local and global cultures, market narratives, global supply chains, and new digital tools that shift daily.
