On this day in agriculture history | April 5

Here are a handful of notable events that shaped agriculture on April 5 over the years.

2 years ago

After USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans) in a tiger at a New York Zoo, the department issued a recommendation that anyone sick with COVID-19 should restrict contact with animals.

• READ MORE: USDA says to restrict contact with animals if sick with COVID-19

17 years ago

Photo credit: U.S. Drought Monitor

Severe drought covered several corn growing states on this date in 2005 including North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas. Portions of Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Texas reported abnormally dry conditions.

22 years ago

In Iowa, very strong southwesterly winds gusted to as high as 63 mph near Algona and brought warm temperatures to much of the state topping out at 89°F. in several areas. The strong winds resulted in numerous wildfires and considerable soil erosion with vegetation still dormant. Heavy snow would fall across northwestern Iowa just two days later on April 7.

89 years ago

Photo credit: USDA

Then president Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) on April 5, 1933. The program put thousands of people back to work during the Great Depression. CCC projects included planting 3.5 billion trees, creating state parks, fighting fires, and building more than 30,000 miles of terraces.

99 years ago

Photo credit: Firestone

Firestone Tire and Rubber company began producing inflatable tires in Akron, Ohio, on April 5, 1923.

230 years ago

George Washington exercised the first presidential veto 229 years ago today. The bill offered a new plan for dividing House of Representatives seats that would favor Northern states. After consulting with his cabinet, Washington concluded the bill was unconstitutional and introduced principles that could be abused in the future.