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During Native American Heritage Month, USDA Science recognizes the invaluable contributions that Native American employees have made in advancing agricultural science and innovation that benefits us all. From advancing Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge in research to ensuring the next generation of agriculture is inspired to lead—the employees spotlighted below are an integral part of carrying out USDA’s mission.

During Native American Heritage Month, USDA Science recognizes the invaluable contributions that Native American employees have made in advancing agricultural science and innovation that benefits us all. From advancing Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge in research to ensuring the next generation of agriculture is inspired to lead—the employees spotlighted below are an integral part of carrying out USDA’s mission.

The Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust (PPLT) is a Tribally led nonprofit organization committed to reconnecting and empowering various Indigenous peoples throughout the Northeast. The Land Trust acts as a catalyst for change, addressing critical issues related to land reclamation and food insecurity for the Pocasset Wampanoag tribe and other marginalized communities. Through its targeted initiatives, PPLT empowers communities across New England to reclaim agricultural practices and enhance local food sovereignty. These efforts not only improve access to fresh, healthy food but also foster a sense of community and cultural pride among Indigenous peoples in the Northeast.

Thanksgiving is the most delicious holiday of the year and brings many tests to the kitchen. Will all the dishes be ready on time? Can we pull off this new casserole recipe? Many of these tests will be met with success; however, one test you should be careful of is the taste test. Taste testing undercooked meat and poultry can be a recipe for disaster.

To ensure that veterans have opportunities to enter high-demand career fields, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) leverages apprenticeship programs. USDA recently strengthened its Commodity Food Grader’s Apprenticeship Program by expanding its scope from regional to national. As a result, transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses from across the country can now participate.

Thanksgiving is a time when friends and family gather to celebrate together, and the center of the action is the kitchen. Pots and pans will be full of collard greens and gravy while a turkey cooks in the oven. With so many moving parts, it is key that the preparation and cooking areas get fully cleaned and sanitized to avoid the spread of bacteria that causes foodborne illness.

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 local ambulance to transport him to a trauma center in Topeka, Kan., for evaluation of his leg. The X-rays revealed a fracture in his tibia (shinbone), which led to emergency surgery.

For first-time hosts, or even experienced cooks, the Thanksgiving turkey can be a nerve-wracking dish to prepare once a year. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has some tips to reduce any anxiety over cooking your turkey this year.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture, conducted by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), collected more than 6 million data points about America’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them. This included information on organic agriculture like producer characteristics (15% were under the age of 35, for example), farm specialization and top states and counties.

At the Office of Customer Experience (OCX), we recognize the importance of providing exceptional experiences for both our internal and external customers. Last month, we celebrated CX Day, which occurs every year on the first Tuesday of October. In honor of this occasion, we’re excited to share insights on one of the most effective tools for improving customer interactions: journey mapping.