Chronological history by decade from |
History of Research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Research Service
Blue=USDA research accomplishment
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Potatoes are one of the world's top-four staple crops.
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1870s 1870 Foot-and-mouth disease first reported in the U.S.(more) Developed a middling purifier with a roller process for grinding to produce superior flour. First systematized, synchronous meteorological report ever taken in the U.S. was read and transmitted by telegraph. 1871 Patent for cotton stripper granted. 1872 1873 The Washington navel orange introduced into California with trees secured from Brazil by USDA. (more) Aberdeen-Angus bulls imported from Scotland. 1874 Pressure cooker invented; patents first granted in 1902, but not in general use until 1935. Glidden barbed-wire patent granted. Manufacture of oleomargarine began in the U.S. Durra sorghum, known as Egyptian corn, introduced into California from Egypt. (more) Mechanical refrigeration invented. 1875 First commercial feed mill established. 1876 Germ theory of disease verified. Charles Darwin wrote the first complete analysis and description of hybrid vigor called Cross- and Self-Fertilization in the Vegetable Kingdom. 1877 United States Entomological Commission established to study grasshoppers. British traders sent seed of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) from Brazil to Malaya; began Asian dominance of rubber market. 1878 Sugar beets cultivated successfully in Maine under a system of vertical integration. An all-roller mill constructed in Philadelphia led the way to more efficient, cheaper, and cleaner milling. 1879 Formalized veterinary education began at Iowa State College, making it the oldest state veterinary college. |
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