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

Blue=USDA research accomplishment

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Hogs under observation for cholera.

1900s

1900
Work projects for farm youth organized; the name '4-H' adopted in 1913.

Lacey Act prohibited importation of injurious animals, birds, and fish.

Of gainfully employed persons, 38 percent were engaged in agriculture.

Mendel's work on heredity rediscovered.

1901
Bureau of Plant Industry established.

Complement fixation test developed.

Began experiments with Egyptian long-staple cotton.

1902
First plants methodically bred for disease resistance.

Reclamation Act passed.

Oily flavor in butter eliminated by pasteurization.

Dutch botanist, Hugo De Vries, announced his theory of mutation.

Pseudorabies of pigs–Aujeszky's disease–described and causative virus identified.

Existence and function of hormones discovered.

Sea Island, first wilt-resistant cotton released.

1903
Demonstrated that a virus causes hog cholera and that recovering hogs are immune for life. (more)

Wright Brothers demonstrated the first airplane.

1904
Date palm introduced to the U.S. (more)

1905
Insect Pest Act prohibited importation or mailing of live, injurious insects. (more)

Livestock Quarantine Act passed.

1906
Pure Food and Drug Act passed. (more)

Demonstrated that alkali soils could be reclaimed by flooding. (more)

Developed live-virus vaccine for hog cholera. (more)

28-hour law required humane care of livestock in interstate shipment.

Meat Inspection Act passed.

First caterpillar tractor powered by gasoline engine produced by Holt Company.

American and European foulbrood diseases of bees differentiated.

1907
Branding ink for use in meat inspection developed.

Mediterranean fruit fly introduced to Hawaiian Islands.(more)

Founded the science of nematology in the U.S.

1908
Yuma released; first U.S. variety of long-staple cotton, followed by Pima in 1910.