Chronological history by decade from
the creation of USDA in 1862 until 2000

Blue=USDA research accomplishment

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Hybrid corn allowed increases in production, more efficient use of applied fertilizer, and large-scale, mechanized harvesting.

USDA scientists developed first hog cholera vaccines.

1880s

1880
One farmer out of every four was a tenant farmer.

Of gainfully employed persons, 49 percent were engaged in agriculture.

Evaporated milk developed.

1881
Two varieties of corn crossed by detasselling one of them, hybridizing the corn for the sole purpose of using the vigor of the first-generation hybrid to increase production. (more)

1882
Modern cream separator invented.

Tubercle bacillus isolated by German bacteriologist. USDA scientist one of the first to chemically analyze it.

1883
Methods developed to detect food adulteration; precursor to Pure Food and Drug Act.(more)

1884
First Federal animal quarantine law enacted.

Bureau of Animal Industry established.

1885
First fungicide invented from lime and copper sulphate, known as the Bordeaux mixture.

1886
Injected killed, whole-cell vaccine of hog cholera into pigeons to demonstrate immunity to subsequent administration of a live microbial culture. (more)

1887
Hatch Experiment Station Act provided Federal grants to states for agricultural experimentation.

1888
Office of Experiment Stations established.

Refrigerated boxcars made first long-haul shipments of produce and meat.

Vedalia beetles imported from Australia to control fluted scale on citrus, the first successful biological control program of a crop pest. (more)

1889
Department of Agriculture given cabinet status.

Controlled cottony cushion scale on citrus in California using biological control. (more)