Category: Agriculture

Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small hosted a panel featuring three of the honorees: Nancy X. Valentine, Executive Director of Kaddatz Galleries in Minnesota; Ted Matthews, Administrator & CEO of Anson General Hospital in Texas; and Erin Martin, Farmer & Owner of Footprints in the Garden in North Carolina.

After five years of relentless effort, the northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) has been eradicated from Washington State and the United States.

“Though far away, we are united in love for our country.”–Rose Burke, 4th Grade. [Photo: Courtesy USDA]

“You should know what could be hitchhiking in or on those items—invasive plant and animal diseases and pests.”

With the holiday season right around the corner, it is time to start thinking about gifts for your loved ones, making it the perfect time to shop local.

No geographic area is immune to the potential of drought at any given time.

Transitioning to a new civilian career can be a big adjustment. USDA has resources to help.

Join No-Till Nolan on his no-shave/no-till journey this November on the NRCS Facebook page as he learns more about the benefits of leaving the stubble.

USDA continues our efforts to lower costs and increase competition for American producers and families by expanding domestic fertilizer and meat and poultry production.

The recent damage from Hurricane Helene has yet to be fully assessed, but it is still uncertain if Georgia will be able to hold on to the title of largest pecan producing state.

This post includes video content of an appearance by Xochitl Torres Small on popular Las Vegas morning show, “Morning Blend”.

In general, the northern and central states are cooler and wetter during a La Niña year, while the Southwest and Southeast experience warmer and drier conditions.

USDA is helping schools in Arizona invest in high quality, nutritious meals for students, including the Farm to School program.

Deputy Secretary Torres Small visited Augusta, Georgia, on Tuesday, where she participated in a roundtable discussion at Golden Harvest Food Bank.

“I remember my grandfather as a hard worker and most comfortable when he was around farmworkers.”

On Thursday, Deputy Secretary Torres Small announced in Somerset, Pennsylvania, that USDA is investing $104 million in loans and grants to support over 300 clean energy projects in 34 states through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

While on her trip the Deputy highlighted that the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County is receiving a $14 million loan under the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants, which will be used to improve the City of Jeannette’s combined sewer system and eliminate the sanitary sewer overflows for the community.

This represents a first of its kind effort to restart an American nuclear power plant—generating carbon pollution-free energy and saving and expanding a union workforce in Michigan, while also helping strengthen America’s nuclear energy sector and advance core climate and domestic energy goals.

The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S.

Meet Michelle Wheeler of River Bend Blooms in Scottsville, Kentucky. What started as a small business has blossomed into a beautiful, sustainable farm spanning 227 acres. The farm’s natural beauty and vibrant ecosystems make it a haven for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful connection with the outdoors. Source: USDA Farmers.govBy Justin Pius,…

The center will host its annual field day Oct. 9, featuring the latest in research on chile and other crops, and the new home of NMSU’s Chile Pepper Institute, which will be open during the field day.

A study by Auburn University in collaboration with USDA assessed the wildflower preferences of native bees in the southeastern United States and revealed three key favorites.

The Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University has a new home. 

A New Mexico State University researcher recently published a study that examined the impacts of invasive plant species.

These studies point to clear indicators of an urgent need for diligent and consistent conservation efforts to protect bee diversity, which is crucial for our ecosystem health, human health and agricultural productivity

With a modern, high density growing style, the Rosarios are planting new varieties with thinner trunks that can be grown closer together, producing more fruit.

Unlike the cellulose and hemicellulose found in plants, lignin is challenging to upgrade into biofuels or high-value bioproducts.

The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) requires foreign investors who buy, sell or hold an interest in U.S. agricultural land to report their holdings and transactions to the USDA.

The Wage and Hour Division enforces federal laws that protect the health and safety of agricultural workers while they are transported and housed, and while they are working in the fields.

Looking for ways to do business with USDA that saves you time? Look no further than farmers.gov.  

Deputy Secretary Torres Small traveled to Chapada dos Guimarães, Brazil, this week, to take part in the G20 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting and engage with fellow agricultural leaders from other G20 members, which is 19 countries as well as the African Union and the European Union.

New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service will host a Jujube Fruit Tasting Workshop Saturday, Sept. 21, where attendees can taste various jujube fruits, see their field performance and learn about planting.

Deputy Secretary Torres Small spent the week visiting with producers, stakeholders and schoolchildren in the West.