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Joe Ricker, a man of many titles including colonel, veterans outreach coordinator, nonprofit founder, farm owner, consultant and beekeeper, has consistently dedicated himself to helping service members thrive. His collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been a key factor in his work. “Make a plan, stick to the plan, and USDA will have your back and help you,” he said. This support includes Monshi “Ram” Ramdass, the USDA Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison, who has facilitated connections between Joe, disabled veterans and the resources they need.

Vast flatland, fertile soil and endless prairie make up USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service’s (NASS) Northern Plains Region, which is comprised of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, this region is known for its cattle and calf sales, crop sales — in particular grains, oilseeds, dry beans and dry peas, with each ranking top 10 in the nation — and being near the top in the nation for number of young producers (producers under the age of 35).

To mark Co-op month, we honor James Wadsworth, the USDA Cooperative Services Branch Chief. Jim has been the caretaker of the Agricultural Cooperative Statistics program, which provides aggregated data on and to the agricultural co-op community. This time series is 100 years old and allows cooperatives to compare operations to others in the industry. The annual Top 100 list of the country’s largest cooperatives is derived from this data, giving a snapshot of how cooperatives can scale and still be democratically controlled by members while providing benefits and support to their individual farm operations.

National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, is a time to celebrate the rich history, cultural diversity, and contributions from Hispanic communities. USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area is home to over 8,000 of the world’s best and brightest minds in agricultural science, data, and innovation. This month, REE is spotlighting several brilliant colleagues who are pioneering change at USDA and within their communities.

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 America’s agricultural cooperatives.

Marco Antonio Alcantar Alvarez, a rising sophomore at California State University majoring in graphic design, was one of 14 students selected for an internship over the summer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) High School Equivalency Program (HEP)/College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). Established in 2023 with eight interns, this year’s intern cohort has nearly doubled in size.

October is a special month, full of opportunities to reflect on the beauty and strength found in our diversity. As we celebrate both Global Diversity Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re reminded of how different perspectives and experiences can shape a more inclusive future. These observances push us toward a shared goal: creating an environment where everyone—regardless of their background—can thrive.

National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, is a time to celebrate the rich history, cultural diversity, and contributions from Hispanic communities. USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area is home to over 8,000 of the world’s best and brightest minds in agricultural science, data, and innovation. This month, REE is spotlighting several brilliant colleagues who are pioneering change at USDA and within their communities.

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, creating jobs, and building resilient communities.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Advancement (SARA) supports rural communities through strategies that address environmental, economic and social aspects of agricultural sustainability. Additionally, SARA encourages its university faculty and students to engage in research, education and hands-on learning experiences in these communities.