Skip to main content
Skip to main content

Department of Defense


USDA Thinks Outside the Box at Inaugural Innovation Event

September 05, 2024 Donald Bitner, Chief Technology Officer

How can the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) build on innovation to better support sustainable American agriculture? Tackling that complex question was the driving force behind our inaugural USDA Innovation Symposium. USDA’s diverse mission requirements in technology and tools make creativity...

Technology

USDA Offers Many Resources for Veterans

November 09, 2023 Dr. Lisa Ramírez, Director of the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement

At the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), we understand the essential role that veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members can play in revitalizing and strengthening our agricultural industry. This is one of the reasons we provide a range of training resources and support...

Equity Initiatives

South Carolina Air National Guard Veteran Topeka Ham Finds New Calling with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service

October 11, 2023 Melissa Blair, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement

Georgia native Topeka Ham found a new calling serving the American public through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) after 26 years in the South Carolina Air National Guard.

Equity Initiatives

Veteran Finds New Mission Through DOD SkillBridge and USDA’s MVAL Assistance

September 06, 2023 Melissa Blair, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement

The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Military Veteran Agricultural Liaison (MVAL) offers assistance to veterans that can lead to permanent employment or help in starting an agriculture-related business.

Equity Initiatives

How the Military Helps Protect Natural Landscapes

February 16, 2018 Jarrett Caston, State and Private Forestry Program, USDA Forest Service

Home to the premier restricted military airspace for unmanned aircraft system training in the western U.S., Army base Fort Huachuca supports training for personnel from the Air Force, Marine Corps, and U.S. Border Patrol. But it also serves as an example of successful mixed-use wildlands...

Forestry

Veterans Returning to Civilian Life Bring Skill and Talent to Farm and Ranch

November 10, 2016 Lanon Baccam, Deputy Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services and Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison

In honor of Veterans Day, Deputy Under Secretary Lanon Baccam provided Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack with an overview of USDA’s support for veterans. Baccam, a proud army veteran, also serves as the Department’s Military Veterans Agriculture Liaison.

Initiatives Conservation Research and Science

NIFA Programs Salute and Assist Veterans and their Families

November 10, 2016 Brent Elrod and Desiree Rucker, National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Whether protecting our nation and its highest ideals with military service or ensuring a safe, abundant, and nutritious food supply as veterans, we are grateful for their willingness to serve. For more than 35 years, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the U.S. Departments...

Initiatives

From Camouflage to Crops - USDA Offers Veterans New Career Opportunities

November 09, 2016 Karen T. Comfort, Deputy Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service

At USDA, we are thankful for the military men and women who are serving or have served this nation. We are committed to providing them with opportunities for their next career to be in agriculture. USDA employs more than 11,000 veterans and since 2009 have provided more than $505 million in direct...

Initiatives

USDA Foods' Local Roots: DoD Fresh Connects the Farm to School

October 27, 2016 Lindsay Williams and Blair Tucker-Gruchala, Food Distribution Division, USDA Food and Nutrition Service

What do the military’s logistical network, peaches and peppers, and school children have in common? The first delivers the second to the third through a unique partnership between the Department of Defense (DoD) and USDA. October is National Farm to School Month and the perfect time to celebrate the...

Food and Nutrition

Making the Grader - USDA's New Program Offers Veterans a Path into Agriculture

October 03, 2016 Lanon Baccam, Deputy Under Secretary and USDA Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison

Over the last eight years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of veterans turning to agriculture for their post-service career. While many choose farming and ranching, others seek employment in the agriculture industry as well as federal service. USDA employs more than 11,000 veterans, and we’re...

Initiatives
Subscribe to Department of Defense

AskUSDA

One central entry point for you to access information and help from USDA.