usda science

Natural beauty, vibrant cities and diverse ecosystems make up USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Northwest Region, which includes Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. With its temperate northern climate, it’s no surprise that the region is diverse in crops and livestock. With the 2022 Census of Agriculture, we discovered more about these agricultural treasures in the Northwest Region.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientist Sheri Spiegal received an exciting award recognizing her pioneering work integrating social science and biophysical science with stakeholder engagement to help animal producers and crop farmers improve the redistribution of manure nutrients from farms with an excess to fields and pastures that can use it sustainably.

Since 2010, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) has served the needs of food animal veterinarians and stakeholders in animal agriculture across the nation by supporting veterinary educational debt repayment in return for veterinarians’ services in designated, high priority, shortage situations. In this time, the VMLRP has awarded nearly 800 food animal veterinarians with loan repayment assistance.

Now that the 2022 Census of Agriculture data are available, we can take a closer look at updated agricultural statistics in U.S. regions, states and counties.

At USDA, we harness the power of agricultural science to transform the world. To create a future that is more sustainable, prosperous and equitable for everyone. This requires a diverse scientific workforce that is driving innovation forward. Women voices and perspectives are a crucial part of this work.

Last month at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, the global message was clear: agriculture is a key solution to tackling climate change.

USDA scientists have discovered that the spotted lanternfly, an invasive threat to fruit crops and many trees, may have an Achilles heel – an attraction to vibration.

If you are involved in the agriculture sector, you probably know about USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). NASS is recognized as a world leader in the field of agricultural statistics, and their reliable and timely data show the most accurate picture of agriculture in America and the people powering it.

December is a festive time of year with twinkling lights, fresh baked goods and meaningful get-togethers with our loved ones. However, planning menus that meet guests’ dietary restrictions, sticking within your holiday budget, and ensuring safe food practices, can be overwhelming. That’s why Nutrition.gov launched a Healthy Holidays webpage with resources so you can enjoy a stress-free holiday season. On this new webpage, you can find information on:

The holiday season and end of the year is a time for gratitude, reflection and hopes for the upcoming year. At USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), we are thankful for the opportunity to serve the American public with statistical integrity and are looking ahead to continuing that work in 2024.