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Growing up on a farm in Northeast Iowa taught me the values of resilience and innovation—qualities that have guided my work as USDA’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. I reflect on the progress we have made in advancing U.S. agricultural exports and driving economic growth.
Mariela Castaneda, Public Affairs Specialist, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement
In 2022, Dr. Engil Pereira, professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), participated in the E. Kika De La Garza (EKDLG) Fellowship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at the National Soil Survey Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.
MD Sharman, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement
Anthony (AJ) Jackson, Jr.’s journey from studying agribusiness to working in agricultural communications is proof of how mentorship and scholarship opportunities can change the course of a career.
November 30, 2012
Sarah Bittleman, senior energy advisor to Secretary Vilsack
Rob Green’s recent Wall Street Journal op-ed “The cause of higher grocery bills isn’t the drought. It’s the failed federal ethanol policy” fails to take into consideration a host of factors, other than demand for corn, that affect food prices. In the domestic and global markets commodity, labor...
November 30, 2012
Tammi Schone, South Dakota USDA Public Information Coordinator
Earlier this month, I submitted a blog discussing plans to observe Native American Heritage Month in South Dakota. USDA Rural Development South Dakota staff held a Native American interactive day on November 28, which included traditional teachings, significance of the circle, meal, a game of “all...
November 30, 2012
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack
Every day I am reminded of the many ways in which the work of rural America impacts all of us. Rural America provides us with a clean environment, opportunities to get outdoors, greater energy security, and a safe and abundant food supply that’s the envy of the world. From our smallest towns to our...
November 30, 2012
Mika J. Cross, Work/Life and Wellness Program Manager
Last month, Hurricane Sandy prevented Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan from addressing USDA employees and guests at the Open House planned for National Work & Family Month. However, she wanted to be sure to take the time to emphasize the importance of USDA’s Work/Life & Wellness programs and what...
November 30, 2012
Erika Gallegos, Public Affairs Specialist, Forest Service
This post is part of the Science Tuesday feature series on the USDA blog. Check back each week as we showcase stories and news from USDA's rich science and research profile. Known for its vibrant culture, distinctive art, and customary traditions rooted in Native American pottery and connection to...
November 29, 2012
Heather Hartley, USDA Ohio Rural Development Public Information Coordinator
The 2012 drought dried up more than just crops. For many U.S. farmers, it also dried up savings, material resources, and perhaps saddest of all, hope. “The drought of course impacted our crop yields tremendously,” said veteran Ohio dairy farmer Leon Weaver. “Corn yields were about 50 percent of...