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Myth Busters: The Facts About How African Swine Fever (ASF) Spreads

Lynn Wachtman, Veterinary Medical Officer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

At APHIS, we get questions about what we do and the animal diseases we track. Let’s review some of the common misconceptions around African swine fever (ASF) — what it is and how it’s transmitted.

Animals
Graphic showing a scientist holding a sign

Planning a Caribbean Getaway? Don’t Give a Fatal Swine Disease a Free Ride

Katheen O’Hara, DVM, PhD, Assistant Director for Swine Health, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Temperatures are rising, and so are requests for time off! Reports show that more Americans — 53% in 2025, up from 48% in 2024 — are planning to travel this summer.

Animals
View of a beach and land

Celebrating World Trade Month: The Trump Administration’s Approach to Expanding Exports and Supporting Rural Prosperity

Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering

I am honored to serve as the newest member of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs mission area in my role as Deputy Under Secretary. As a native of Iowa, where agriculture is our lifeblood, I understand this position is a sacred trust and my duty to the...

Rural Trade
TFAA Deputy Under Secretary Michelle Bekkering meets with members of the Des Moines Partnership during their visit to D.C. May 9, 2025

Growing our Future with Military Children

Christine Tomkus, Military Spouse and Veteran Employment Program Manager, USDA

April is the Month of the Military Child.

Farming Food and Nutrition Forestry Initiatives Recreation Research and Science Rural
USDA Military Spouse and Veteran Employment Program Manager Christine Tomkus speaks to children about opportunities in agriculture at Whiteman AFB in Missouri

Groundwater: It’s at the Root of Safe Water Consumption

Cristina Rivera, Management & Program Analyst, Rural Development Water & Environmental Programs

USDA Rural Development offers various programs that prioritize emergency health and sanitary issues.

Rural
A person filling a vial with water with National Groundwater Awareness Week March 9-15, 2025 text overlay

USDA celebrates National FFA Week

Lindsey Abentroth, Youth Coordinator, USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement

National FFA Week is a great time to highlight the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) active partnership with the organization.

Farming Rural
Future Farmers of America event

The Power of Journey Mapping: Enhancing Customer Experience

November 21, 2024 Lula Wallace, Chief of Staff, Office of Customer Experience

At the Office of Customer Experience (OCX), we recognize the importance of providing exceptional experiences for both our internal and external customers.

Equity Food and Nutrition Initiatives Rural USDA Results

Rural Development: An Impact that Saves Lives

November 21, 2024 Jessica Bowser, Content Management Analyst, Rural Development

On April 10, 2024, I received a call from my dad asking me to come help him at our family farm there had been an accident. The front axle of my dad’s tractor had broken in half, and he had jumped off the tractor before it tipped over. When I arrived at the farm, my dad couldn’t walk. I called a...

Rural

Celebrating National Cooperative Month: The Future is Cooperative

October 24, 2024 Deborah Rausch, Business Loan and Grant Analyst, Cooperative Services Branch

October is National Cooperative Month, and the theme, "The Future is Cooperative," anticipates the increasingly vital role cooperatives play in enhancing the quality of life in rural areas. At USDA Rural Development, we recognize the significance of these businesses in fostering economic growth...

Rural

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives

October 24, 2024 Margaret Bau, Cooperative Development Specialist, Rural Development

When Congress enacted the Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926, it directed the USDA to create a range of federal services in support of producer-owned cooperatives. For nearly 100 years, USDA has gathered statistics, conducted research, provided education, and offered cooperative development to...

Rural