Iron Sharpens Iron: Let's see how farmers made it happen back in the day when technology wasn't around

Modern day conveniences, like the tire shop for example, were not always around. In 1870, if you wanted it, you or someone else had to make it.

Chip Carter takes us on a trip back in time to see how farmers made it all happen.

Catch brand new episodes of “Where the Food Comes From” every Thursday at 7:30 PM Eastern on RFD-TV.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Business

Rebuilding vs. Maintaining Soil Potassium with Nutrien eKonomics: What Farmers Need to Know

Nutrien eKonomics explains how farmers can rebuild low soil potassium, maintain levels above the critical value, and plan fertilizer applications.

October 07, 2026 02:30 PM

RFD-TV NEWS STAFF

Livestock

Hog Profits Hold As Demand Risks Build Further

Weaker pork demand and rising feed costs could put more pressure on producer margins in 2027.

October 07, 2026 11:00 AM

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Energy

Xcel Proposes Data Center Tariff to Protect Customers

The proposal would require data centers and other large users to cover infrastructure costs tied to their projects.

October 07, 2026 10:30 AM

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Trade

Iowa Soybean Shortage Pulls Rare Rail Shipments In

Iowa processors are bringing in soybeans by rail as wet weather slows harvest.

October 06, 2026 09:00 AM

Tony St. James

World News

China Trade Framework Highlights Weak Cotton Sorghum Demand

U.S. agricultural exports to China have fallen sharply as producers wait for tariff relief.

October 06, 2026 08:00 AM

Tony St. James

Sustainability

Cover Crops Show Payoff When Grazing Cuts Costs

South Dakota research found grazing can help cover crops generate positive returns sooner.

October 06, 2026 07:00 AM

Tony St. James

Energy

President Trump Plans Executive Actions to Lower Diesel Costs

President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order to lower diesel costs, including expanding access to tax-exempt dyed diesel as farmers face high harvest fuel prices.

October 05, 2026 03:17 PM

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Trade

Panama Canal Expands Transits As Water Conditions Improve

Improved water levels are allowing more vessels and deeper loads through the Panama Canal.

October 05, 2026 03:02 PM

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Business

BNSF Shuttle Auction Prices More Than Double Annually

Winning bids averaged about $1.3 million as demand for 2027 grain rail capacity increased.

October 05, 2026 10:00 AM

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Rural Money

Higher Treasury Yields Raise Long-Term Farm Finance Risks

Rising Treasury yields could keep farm borrowing costs elevated heading into 2027.

October 05, 2026 09:00 AM

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Crops

Mid-Atlantic Farmers Seek Early Fertilizer Price Protection Now

Mid-Atlantic farmers are locking in 2027 fertilizer contracts now, as nitrogen imports and market uncertainty make input-cost planning a key risk-management concern.

October 04, 2026 07:00 PM

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Sustainability

USDA Expands Regenerative Pilot Funding Soil Health Conservation

Farmers and ranchers can apply through local Natural Resources Conservation Service offices using their state’s fiscal 2027 ranking deadlines.

October 03, 2026 02:47 PM

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Iron Sharpens Iron: Let’s see how farmers made it happen back in the day when technology wasn’t around