agNET

The term agNET was coined in the early 1970's by two professors of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, James G. Kendrick and Thomas L. Thompson, to describe the interactive computer models that were being developed for use by students and some day non computer experts (the public).  agNET consisted of series of management models for agriculture.  Key programs included Least cost feed formulation, beef performance simulator, cost analysis of crop production, grain drying models.  By the end of its run, agNET had approximately 200 programs.  From 1975 to the mid 1980's agNET was on the cutting edge of agricultural computing, from production management tools to market information to consumer interests, you could find it on agNET.  By the late 1980's agNET was no longer available to farmers and ranchers.

agNET was also a trademark held by the University of Nebraska - Lincoln until it was allowed to expire.  Early in 1997,  the Farm and Ranch Network Service Co. began developing an news internet strategy and were looking for a distinct moniker for the site.  Having knowledge of the previous agNET system, they were amazed to find that agnet.net was available and that the term agNET could be trademarked.  Farm and Ranch did not need to look any further, agNET it was.

From 1997 to 2005, agNET was the stopping point on the web for the series of Farm and Ranch ag publications produced by the Farm and Ranch Network Service Co.  Through this period Farm and Ranch lacked the reach to fully develop the presence the way they had hoped and dreamed for.  In December of 2005, Farm and Ranch was acquired by a strong publishing group with many affiliates.  Via this acquisition, it has afforded Farm and Ranch, the reach to take on the challenge to develop agNET to the desired level.