Navajo Tech Veterinary Technology Program uses NIFA grant to teach students animal care.

This post is part of the Science Tuesday feature series on the USDA blog. Check back each week as we showcase stories and news from USDA’s rich science and research profile.

USDA honors the achievements of American Indians during Native American Heritage Month and year-round.  With educational funding and support from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Navajo Technical College in Crownpoint, N.M., is one of the many tribal colleges and 1994 land-grant institutions doing considerable work in the scientific fields. Read more »

More than 7,000 rural residents in a remote area of Arizona will soon be connected to the world at large thanks to Recovery Act support from USDA Rural Development. Read more »

As part of the Obama Administration’s goal of doubling renewable energy production by 2012, America’s rural electric cooperatives are stepping forward to develop new, sustainable ways to produce electricity.  These efforts are not only good for the environment; they help meet an expanding need for power due to growing rural consumer demand.  The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), part of USDA’s Rural Development mission area, is a willing and ready partner in this effort. Read more »

Tribal Consultation: Front row, left to right, Phillip Chimburas, Ute Indian Tribe; Ernest House, Chairman, Ute Mountain; Leona Eyetoo, South Ute Tribe; Jeanine Borchardt, Chairwoman, Paiute Tribe; Jessica Zufolo, Deputy Administrator, Rural Utilities Service; Forrest S. Cuch, Director, Division of Indian Affairs: Madeline Greymountain, Tribal Council Member, Confederate Tribes of Goshute Reservations. Back row: Kenneth Maryboy, Navajo, UTL Chair; Dave Conine, Utah State Director, USDA Rural Development; Utah LT. Governor Greg Bell; Leonard Gorman , Executive Director Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission.

USDA Rural Development officials joined Greg Bell, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Utah recently at the 2010 Native American Summit held in Ogden.  This historic gathering provided an opportunity to meet with Utah’s tribal Leaders, and explore the means available for USDA to become a more effective partner in delivering services and addressing tribal needs. Read more »