The materials in the USDA History Collection were gathered over several decades by the former Agricultural and Rural History Section of the USDA’s Economic Research Service.  Used as a research tool to assist the work of historians, economists, and others interested in the history of USDA, the materials cover agricultural history as well as USDA activities from 1900 to the 1980s.  There are records prior to 1900 relating to the founding of the USDA in 1862, and several letters and ledgers from about 1740.

View the finding aid for this collection.

Thumbnail for the first (or only) page of Tomato inspection.

Tomato inspection

Thumbnail for the first (or only) page of Plant research.

Plant research

Thumbnail for the first (or only) page of Contour strips.

Contour strips

Thumbnail for the first (or only) page of Contour plowing.

Contour plowing

Thumbnail for the first (or only) page of Crop strips.

Crop strips

Thumbnail for the first (or only) page of Glenn Smith, first durum breeder.

Glenn Smith, first durum breeder

Thumbnail for the first (or only) page of USDA activities --Agricultural agent on the phone.

USDA activities -- Agricultural agent on the phone

Thumbnail for the first (or only) page of Plant research.

Plant research

Thumbnail for the first (or only) page of Plant inspection.

Plant inspection

Thumbnail for the first (or only) page of Pollinating with the vibrator.

Pollinating with the vibrator

Thumbnail for the first (or only) page of Scientist measuring ear of corn.

Scientist measuring ear of corn

Thumbnail for the first (or only) page of Research at Gulfport Lab.

Research at Gulfport Lab