History of Agriculture: 1950-1970

  • USDA War Innovation Research

    USDA War Innovation Research

    The USDA researched and developed things such as Dextran, and fabrics that were more resistant to fire. They also improved the flavor and stability of soybean oil, making it into one of America's most necessary products.
  • Agricultural Research Service

    Agricultural Research Service

    This wa established in 1953 by the U.S. Department of Ag. It was created to help focus some research on a national agriculture level. This group helped to research the fatal parasite screwworm, and were able to destroy it.
  • Farms becoming more modern- using tractors

    Farms becoming more modern- using tractors

    In 1954, the number of horses and mules on farms was less than the number of tractors for the first time. This was a milestone for the U.S. and showed how far we had come in technological advances.
  • Food for Peace Program

    Food for Peace Program

    President Kennedy helped the USDA expand their School Milk Program, and test out a Food Stamp Program to use America's Agricultural Surpluses. This would get more food and milk out to rural and urban poor areas/ people.
  • Agricultural Acts of 1950

    Agricultural Acts of 1950

    At the end of the Korean War, the U.S. created new farm bills to help the government deal with the surplus of ag products such as corn, cotton, and wheat. The Agriculture acts of 1954, and 1956 dealt with the supply and demand issues surrounding the Korean War
  • TV DInners Introduced

    TV DInners Introduced

    TV Dinners were more convenient for Women who had jobs and worked outside their houses. They were quick and easy to get prepared, especially for those with children to feed as well.
  • Interstate Highway Act

    Interstate Highway Act

    This act made it easier for farmers and people because it helped build modern freeways across the nation. Now farmers could ship their products across America, and people could travel faster.
  • The increase of crop production at farms

    The increase of crop production at farms

    From the 1940's-1960's farm production increased by a lot. In 1940, a farmer could only feed 11 people, but by 1961, a farmer could feed 27. This was because farmers were using more low cost fertilizers, and newer pesticides and herbicides. Farmers were growing more corn per acre.
  • Food for Peace Program Expantion

    Food for Peace Program Expantion

    The food for peace program was expanded to help give other countries our food surpluses from agriculture. It was an opportunity to help countries that weren't allied with the U.S.
  • Food and Agricultural Acts of 1960

    Food and Agricultural Acts of 1960

    Both the Food and Agricultural Act of 1962, and the Food and Agricultural Act of 1965 created guidance for the Ag industry in the 1960's. They were to help develop the economy with Resource Conservation and Development projects.
  • Women Allowed to join FFA

    Women Allowed to join FFA

    At a national FFA convention in 1930, delegates decided that women would not be allowed to join FFA. Through their hard work, and dedication to being Farmerettes, the women slowly proved their role, and in 1969, this rule was revised to allow women to join.
  • President talks about food and nutrition issue

    President talks about food and nutrition issue

    President Richard Nixon brought up the issue of hunger and malnutrition in the U.S. Even though we had an agricultural surplus of food during those times, many Americans were facing hunger and Malnutrition. This was the start of the Food and Nutrition Service.