Max Armstrong tells the story of John S. Wright who opened a "prairie store" in Chicago. Wright, a genius, was involved in a wide range of projects including the creation of "Union Agriculturist and the Western Prairie Farmer" which became "Prairie Farmer." Max looks at what has happened in agriculture during that 175 years. He profiles the recurring themes the editors found as they looked back at history from politics to crop production and even pattern drainage as far back as 1884.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Max Armstrong, veteran farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.