usda science

The holiday season and end of the year is a time for gratitude, reflection and hopes for the upcoming year. At USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), we are thankful for the opportunity to serve the American public with statistical integrity and are looking ahead to continuing that work in 2024.

It’s World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (November 18-24) — a time to raise global understanding around antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and what is being done to tackle it. This year’s theme is “preventing antimicrobial resistance together” and that is exactly what the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is doing.

Education used to be about the “Three Rs” – reading, (w)riting, and (a)rithmetic. It still is, but more letters have worked their way in: S, T, E, and M. Since 2001 educators have begun to focus more of their attention on the teaching of STEM – an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Renewable fuels – ethanol, biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuel, and more – are filling gas tanks more than ever, mitigating the effects of petroleum-based fuel on the environment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a major contributor to that shift.

August is National Breastfeeding Month. Did you know that USDA conducts research to define dietary needs to ensure optimal maternal and child health? A researcher with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is heading international studies to establish nutritional guidelines for vitamins and minerals in human milk.

Imagine this. You are a new farmer who bought a plot of land in your hometown. You’re making important decisions for your operation like what to plant and where. If only you had a tool to identify historical information for what’s been grown on your land and in your area that would allow you to make better informed decisions to set up your new business for success.