The Department of Agriculture is offering $5 million in grants to schools through the USDA Farm to School Program. The program has been awarding grants to schools and communities since 2013. Farm to School refers to efforts that bring locally or regionally produced foods into school cafeterias. USDA says that also includes hands-on learning activities such as school gardening, farm …
USDA Invests in a More Diverse Agricultural Science Workforce
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced grants to increase women and minority representation in the agricultural science workforce. Funding is made through NIFA’s Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program (WAMS). “America’s human capital is our greatest resource,” said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. “NIFA investments are helping …
New ARS Website Enhances Access to Scientific Information
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) launched a newly designed website that improves access to information about ARS research. The new site features mobile responsiveness allowing users to better navigate and view information on both mobile and desktop devices. ARS maintains scientific information stemming from research conducted by nearly 2,000 Federal scientists researching animal and crop health, human nutrition, food safety, …
EQIP Sign Up Continues in Florida
November 17 will be here before you know it, and thus Florida farmers, ranchers, and forest owners are urged to stop by their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office to apply for financial and technical assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida Cattle …
U.S. Cattle on Feed Up 5 Percent
USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service released their October Cattle on Feed Report, and the numbers show cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the U.S. totaled 10.8 million head on October 1, 2017, 5 percent above October 1, 2016. The inventory included 6.93 million steers and steer calves, up 2 percent from the previous year, and 64 …
NFU on USDA Farmer Fair Practices Rule Decision
Earlier this week, the Department of Agriculture announced it would be terminating the Farmer Fair Practices Rule on Competitive Injury. A rule that, according to the National Farmers Unions, would have provided the most basic of protections to American family farmers and ranchers as they endure increasingly concentrated markets and unfair treatment from multinational meatpackers. NFU President Roger Johnson says …
NIFA Biotechnology Grants Put Science at Center of Food Safety Policy
The science of agriculture grows more complex every year. Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced support for projects to help bridge the gap between biotechnology innovations and the policies on how to use them. These grants are funded through NIFA’s Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants (BRAG) Program. “Biotechnology offers innovative tools …
Perdue Talks About Successful European Trip
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue toured Europe, speaking with officials from several different countries about a variety of issues, including trade. After stops in the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain, Perdue said the trip has been very productive. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would be withdrawing the interim final rule under the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards …
USDA Helps Small Businesses Develop New Agricultural Products, Technology
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced grants to help bring agricultural business ideas from the drawing board to the marketplace. Funding is made through NIFA’s Small Business Innovation Research Program. “For small agricultural businesses, the federal government is a key, initial investor to help them get great ideas into the marketplace,” said …
USDA Designates 19 Counties in Florida as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 19 counties in Florida as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by Hurricane Irma that occurred from Sept. 9, 2017, through Sept.12, 2017. Those counties are: Alachua Gilchrist Indian River Monroe Bradford Glades Lake Osceola Broward Hendry Lee Palm Beach Charlotte Highlands Marion Sumter Collier Hillsborough Miami-Dade Farmers …