Blog

The USDA Agricultural Research Service’s National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Illinois (a.k.a. “The Ag Lab”) has a storied history of scientific and technological innovation that includes methods to mass-produce penicillin and biobased engine lubricants.

Nearly 1 billion people are hungry, and even more are food insecure. Farmers and ranchers around the world are having to adapt to changing climate conditions to continue producing enough food to feed the growing global population, support their own livelihoods and their communities.

As a farmer, I understand the level of risk involved in our line of work. A strong farm safety net is key to ensuring the success of American producers. USDA’s Risk Management Agency is committed to improving access to crop insurance and training for producers that have historically lacked access to resources.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides extensive data on the Nation’s conservation program activities through its RCA Data Viewer. And now, data visualizations have been added to the tool, making the data easier to interpret, sort, and download.

If you’re a fan of salmon, you’re not alone.

Happy New Year! What are your health goals for 2022? Whether you want to accomplish a fitness goal or focus on healthy eating, nutrition and exercise are key to meeting your goals. Discover tips to help you make healthy choices that fit with your lifestyle, personal needs and preferences.

Supporting families is the foundation of our mission here at USDA. So, before we close 2021, I’d like to look back at one of our programs that continues to do just that: the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, commonly known as WIC.

The Biden-Harris Administration is deeply committed to working with producers as important partners to achieve conservation and climate outcomes. Last spring, we rolled out a comprehensive overhaul to our Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to improve participation and interest.

Years ago, I spent my days watching pecan roots change the color of solutions from clear to red as they reduced iron for uptake. It may not sound exciting, but that was the topic of my 2010 undergraduate research internship at USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Children’s Nutrition Research Center (CNRC) in Houston, TX, under the direction of my mentor, ARS scientist Dr. Michael Grusak.

I don’t know about you, but when the temperature drops, I find myself thinking of warmer climates. One location that experiences tropical weather year-round is Hawaii. But Hawaii’s warm temperatures aren’t the only thing that will have you dreaming of the Aloha State. The island’s agriculture comes straight from a wish-you-were-here postcard.