Lifestyle  Rural Lifestyle

America 250: Founding Fathers’ Agricultural Legacy

Huma’s Fred Nichols reflected on the agricultural innovations of America’s Founding Fathers during the nation’s 250th celebration.

July 06, 2026 02:32 PM • 
Neal Burnette-Irwin

LAKELAND, Tenn. (RFD News) — As the nation celebrates America’s 250th birthday, many are reflecting on the contributions the Founding Fathers made to agriculture.

Huma Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Fred Nichols joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to discuss their lasting impact.

Nichols says many of the Founding Fathers embraced farming and introduced practices that continue to influence agriculture today. He pointed to George Washington’s use of crop rotation and cover crops, James Madison’s focus on soil health, Thomas Jefferson’s contour farming practices and Benjamin Franklin’s work with gypsum as a soil amendment.

Nichols says Huma is recognizing America 250 by continuing to manufacture its soil health and crop nutrition products in the United States.

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Neal Burnette-Irwin
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


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