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U.S. Department of Agriculture

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Providing a safety net for millions of Americans who are food-insecure and for developing and promoting dietary guidance based on scientific evidence.
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USDA conducts and funds food safety research to generate real-world results for both government and the private sector.

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USDA provides leadership, technical expertise and cooperation for developing of the Dietary Guidelines and Federal nutrition and economic initiatives.

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USDA provides critical nutrition assistance through Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and emergency food assistance among many other programs.

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SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the food essential to health and well-being.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC safeguards the health of low-income women, infants, and children at nutrition risk by providing food, healthy eating, and healthcare referrals.
SNAP Emergency Allotments are Ending

Soon, many SNAP households will experience a change to their benefit amounts.

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Tackle Foodborne Illness When Ordering Takeout or Delivered Foods

If left out too long, all foods can become a source of foodborne illness.

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Cooking Meat: Is It Done Yet?

Only 55% of people use a food thermometer to verify if their food is safe to consume.

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About Farming and Ranching
We maintain a safety net for America's farmers, ranchers and growers that includes disaster assistance, crop insurance, access to credit and more.
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President Trump signed the Farm Bill into law on December 20, 2018, and the USDA promptly began implementing key programs.

New Farmers

New Farmers Overview
New Farmers offers information and resources on how to start a farm, make a business plan, access to land and capital, manage risk, and more.

Resources for Small and Mid-sized Farmers

Resources for Small and Mid-sized Farmers Overview
Small and midsize producers provide new opportunities for American agriculture across the country.

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Animal Science Overview
Through applied research and developing technology, USDA has improved the research of animal diseases, well-being, veterinary biologics, and BSE.

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Through research programs and reports, USDA has developed biotechnological methods and gathered data to show the development of animal productivity.

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Plants and Crops

Plants and Crops Overview
USDA is developing strategies to reduce losses caused by plant diseases, pests, and weeds, providing a system to maintain environmental quality.

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Organic Farming

Organic Farming Overview
The USDA has a wealth of organic data for producers, processors, consumers, and researchers.

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Organic Research, Education, and Extension Programs

Agricultural Education and Outreach

Agricultural Education and Outreach Overview
The food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the fuel that powers our lives is produced with agriculture.

Youth in Agriculture

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Financial Resources for Farmers and Ranchers

Financial Resources for Farmers and Ranchers Overview
USDA provides financial support including crop and livestock insurance, grants and loans, and disaster resources for farmers and ranchers.

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Aquaculture

Aquaculture Overview
Aquaculture is the production of aquatic organisms under controlled conditions throughout part or all their lifecycle.
USDA Supports America’s Heroes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is looking to military veterans across the country to fill the roles that keep America’s food supply safe and secure, preserve and strengthen rural communities, and restore and conserve the environment.
Apply Now
About Forestry
Forestry is the science and practice of establishing, managing, using, and conserving forests and related resources to meet goals, needs, and values.
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Disaster Resource Center Overview

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Agroforestry

Agroforestry Overview
Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming to create environmental, economic, and social benefits.

Agroforestry Frequently Asked Questions

USDA's Role in Agroforestry

Landowner Assistance

Landowner Assistance Overview
USDA provides several landowner assistance programs and partnerships to assist private landowners and rural communities.

Disaster Resource Center

Disaster Resource Center Overview
The Disaster Resource Center provides information on how to prepare, recover and build long-term resilience during disasters and emergencies.

Drought

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Forest Research and Development

Forest Research and Development Overview
Forest Service Research and Development scientists research the biological, physical, and social sciences related to forests and rangelands.

Forest Recreation

Forest Recreation Overview
What U.S. residents should know before going abroad, and rules for bringing items back from your trip.
Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool

Learn about USDA disaster assistance programs that might be right for you by completing five simple steps.

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About Sustainability
Sustainable agricultural productivity growth is a foundational element in building more sustainable agricultural and food systems.
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Councils and Coalitions Overview

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Conservation

Conservation Overview
USDA recognizes that conservation by farmers, ranchers and forest owners today means thriving and sustainable agriculture for our future.

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Environmental Markets Overview
Environmental markets are innovative policy approaches to leverage funding for environmental conservation on private lands.

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Infrastructure

Infrastructure Overview
USDA embarked on a groundbreaking analysis on the potential benefits of rural broadband infrastructure and emerging on-farm technology.

Rural Broadband Expansion

Councils and Coalitions

Councils and Coalitions Overview
USDA is committed to working with partners and stakeholders toward the sustainability of diverse agricultural and food systems.

Definitions: Sustainability and Food Systems

Sustainable Productivity Growth Coalition

U.S. Food Systems

UN Food Systems Summit

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Definitions: Sustainability and Food Systems

Most incorporate the notion that true sustainability must balance economic, social and environmental dimensions.

View Definitions
About Trade and Markets
In a global marketplace, supply and demand in one area of the world can greatly impact the agricultural production in another.
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Exporting Goods

Exporting Goods Overview
USDA monitors the export of products from the U.S. through a standard set of regulations and policies

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Importing Goods

Importing Goods Overview
USDA offers import programs to help American agricultural producers compete against the world market.

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At the core of USDA's mission is fostering economic opportunity and innovation that will continue to help American agriculture grow.

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Marketing and Trade Assistance Overview
Marketing assistance programs help farmers, agribusinesses, and state agriculture departments by increasing commodity production.

Trade Data and Price Support

Trade Data and Price Support Overview
At the core of USDA's mission is fostering economic opportunity and innovation that continues to help agriculture grow and thrive in a global economy.

Pricing Support
About USDA
We keep America's farmers and ranchers in business and ensure the nation's meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled.
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We provide leadership on food, agriculture, nutrition, and other issues based on public policy, available science, and effective management.

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Radio Page
Actuality: Widespread Topsoil Moisture Shortages Across Country

Radio

Actuality: Widespread Topsoil Moisture Shortages Across Country

Date:

Tue, 04/06/2021 - 12:00

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Radio News

Radio Broadcast Num: 05

Radio Remark: USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey, says widespread topsoil moisture shortages are an indication that many areas are getting a dry start to the season.

Radio Length: 00:00:54.073

Radio Author: SHO

Radio MP3 File: