Skip to main content
Skip to main content

USDA Blog


Showing: 1 - 10 of 23 Results
Applied Filters

Calling All Partners for Improved Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

December 22, 2021 By Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator, Farm Service Agency

The Biden-Harris Administration is deeply committed to working with producers as important partners to achieve conservation and climate outcomes. Last spring, we rolled out a comprehensive overhaul to our Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to improve participation and interest.

Farming

This Holiday: Decorate with Joy, Not Insects That Destroy

December 14, 2021 Cecilia Sequeira, USDA Public Affairs Specialist

The holidays are a festive time. Putting up a Christmas tree, wreath, and ornaments may be part of your tradition. But, look twice before you acquire fresh plant material for your seasonal décor this year, because there may be something lurking inside. Invasive plant pests and diseases are talented...

Animals

On Guard Against African Swine Fever

December 09, 2021 Dr. Jack Shere, Associate Administrator for USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and leader of USDA’s ASF efforts

USDA has a proven track record of protecting U.S. farmers from foreign animal and plant pests and diseases.

Animals

USDA Announces Requirement for Contingency Plans to Protect Animals During Emergencies

December 02, 2021 Dr. Betty Goldentyer, Deputy Administrator of APHIS’ Animal Care program

We see the headlines about natural disasters all the time – hurricanes in the South, wildfires in the West, flooding, tornadoes, and the list goes on. But do we stop to think about how those natural disasters affect animals, especially those housed in zoos, sanctuaries, and other licensed facilities...

Animals

Dispersing Vultures Goes High Tech

November 16, 2021 Gail Keirn, Legislative and Public Affairs

When turkey vultures gather in large groups in urban areas, they can cause safety concerns due to their abundant fecal droppings and as hazards to air traffic. Wildlife Services (WS) biologists often manage vulture damage by modifying habitats to remove the things that attract them, such as perches...

Animals

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Turkey…and Leftovers

November 12, 2021 Jennifer Porter, Deputy Administrator, AMS Livestock and Poultry Program

Thanksgiving is for family and time-honored traditions. The greatest tradition is the centerpiece to your meal – turkey. Over 2,500 American turkey farms work to bring just the right bird to your table. Here are tips to help you select your turkey and pointers to manage leftovers.

Farming Health and Safety

Celebrating the Special Powers of Bats

October 27, 2021 Jocelyn Benjamin, USDA Public Affairs Specialist

Bats aren’t just hanging around here for the boo’s. They play an irreplaceable role in our ecosystems.

Animals Conservation

Biological Science Technician Comes Back Stronger after Serious Injury

October 22, 2021 Diana Care, APHIS Animal Care

Megan Helsel was always interested in wildlife, especially wild birds. When she was working at a veterinary clinic, she met a client who was wearing a USDA APHIS t-shirt and struck up a conversation. “I didn’t know anything about the agency,” Megan said, “but once I learned about it, I was...

Animals

Microlearning to Yield Big Results for Organic Stakeholders

October 07, 2021 Alexis McInerney, Program Analyst, AMS National Organic Program

Before coming to the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), Laura Gallagher worked on farms and with community gardening organizations in the Midwest and Northeast providing training and education. Now Laura helps NOP manage the Organic Integrity Learning Center (OILC) and the Human Capital Capacity...

Farming Initiatives

It’s National Pork Month – Join USDA for a Webinar Series Highlighting Market Reports and Pork Industry Data

October 06, 2021 Taylor Cox, Associate Deputy Administrator, AMS Livestock and Poultry Program

October is National Pork Month! America’s pork producers play a major role in feeding the world, and this month we honor their hard work and dedication to providing high quality products to consumers. Collectively, they generate 13% of the world’s pork supply, making the United States the world’s...

Animals