U.S. Department of Agriculture shared a link.
39 minutes ago
Earlier this week, USDA announced $15.7 million in Conservation Innovation Grants to 47 organizations that will help develop and demonstrate cutting-edge ideas to help farmers and ranchers continue to improve conservation practices on their operations.

Highlights of this year’s projects include:
USDA Blog » Secretary’s Column: Investing in Conservation Innovation
blogs.usda.gov
Earlier this week, USDA announced $15.7 million in Conservation Innovation Grants to 47 organizations that will help develop and demonstrate cutting-edge ideas to help farmers and ranchers continue to improve conservation practices on their operations.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture
58 minutes ago
One of the first excursions Idaho locals recommend to newcomers is the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway along Highway 21 from Boise to Stanley, Idaho. The popular route traverses foothills, high-elevation forests and scenic river canyons in the heart of the Boise National Forest and Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Read more: http://t.co/tCzs5uvr7R
Photo: One of the first excursions Idaho locals recommend to newcomers is the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway along Highway 21 from Boise to Stanley, Idaho. The popular route traverses foothills, high-elevation forests and scenic river canyons in the heart of the Boise National Forest and Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Read more: http://t.co/tCzs5uvr7R
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U.S. Department of Agriculture shared a link.
about an hour ago
With kids now back in the classroom, USDA wants to help schools continue to build a healthier, more nutritious environment for their students. At the same time, we’re deeply committed to ensuring these same schools maintain financial stabi...lity and strong student participation in their meal programs. We’re seeing more and more schools move forward with new and innovative healthy school meals, but we also understand there is a need to share best practices across the country. See More
USDA Blog » Team Up for Success! USDA and Partners Help Secure a Healthier School Day
blogs.usda.gov
With kids now back in the classroom, USDA wants to help schools continue to build a healthier, more nutritious environment for their students. At the same time, we’re deeply committed to ensuring these same schools maintain financial stability and strong student participation in their meal programs…
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U.S. Department of Agriculture shared a link.
Yesterday
Sapelo Island off the coast of Georgia has a handful of residents, some of whom make their living raising livestock, farming produce and managing forests. While the barrier island is isolated and only accessible by ferry or private boats, USDA agencies in Georgia recently held a meeting on the island to talk about available assistance. Read more!
USDA Blog » USDA Works to Bring Conservation, Other Assistance to a Remote Georgia Island
blogs.usda.gov
One of the major partners in the Sapelo Island Red Pea Project is SICARS which has a facility on Sapelo Island. NRCS photo.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture shared a link.
Yesterday
A week from today – on September 24, Wednesday at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern – you can join us for a webinar on “Supermarkets and Restaurants Fighting Food Waste and Saving Money” that will feature industry representatives discussing how the...y are leading the fight against food waste. There will also be time devoted to dialogue, Q&As, and the sharing of resources. Register for the webinar here: https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/241692455. See More
USDA Blog » Supermarkets and Restaurants Are Fighting Food Waste & Saving Money
blogs.usda.gov
Food donated from local restaurants and supermarkets through coordination with the Food Donation Connection is used to make delicious & healthy meals served in homeless shelters and food pantries. Photo courtesy of Food Donation Connection.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture shared a link.
Yesterday
Any disaster, whether it’s a flood, tornado or earthquake, can catch you off guard and leave you in danger. If you raise livestock, an emergency plan is important as well. Using the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) procedures to prepare now, you can quickly and easily safeguard your livestock when disaster strikes. Read more to get this information!
USDA Blog » Do YOU Have a Plan for Your Livestock Should Disaster Strike?
blogs.usda.gov
Cows on small farm.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture
September 16
Nineteen original paintings by Virginia artist Rudolph Wendelin from USDA’s National Agricultural Library (NAL) Smokey Bear history collection are being featured in an exhibit at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia. Read more: http://ow.ly/Bzdwm
Photo: Nineteen original paintings by Virginia artist Rudolph Wendelin from USDA’s National Agricultural Library (NAL) Smokey Bear history collection are being featured in an exhibit at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia. Read more: http://ow.ly/Bzdwm
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U.S. Department of Agriculture shared a link.
September 16
Seasonal high tunnels have emerged in the past few years as an important tool for farmers wanting to extend their growing seasons. Right now, thanks to a Conservation Innovation Grant from USDA, a University of Kentucky professor is studying them – and how they can be made more efficient. Learn more about how Krista Jacobsen is doing this!
USDA Blog » A Kentucky Professor Works to Improve Irrigation Efficiency, Soil Health in High Tunnels
blogs.usda.gov
The University of Kentucky is using a Conservation Innovation Grant to improve the efficiency of seasonal high tunnels. NRCS and UK staff view a water line with a high tunnel in the background. NRCS photo.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture shared a link.
September 16
Helping farmers understand the importance and impact of transportation trends is one of the services provided by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Because of the impact it can have on the market, U.S. soybean farmers need to unde...rstand the transportation environment that links their fields to global markets. To help soybean producers understand the impacts of transportation trends, AMS recently released the study Eroding U.S. Soybean Competitiveness and Market Shares: What Is the Road Ahead? Read more! See More
USDA Blog » Grains, Trains and Global Success
blogs.usda.gov
Asia-bound grains, including soybeans, are commonly shipped by rail to ports in the Pacific Northwest. The cost to ship by ocean is the main driver for the choice of port for export, because inland barge transportation to the Mississippi Gulf is usually more efficient and less expensive than rail. Photo courtesy Oregon Department of Agriculture.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture shared a link.
September 15
Three plant specialists with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) began work in the southeast portion of the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. They are returning a hilly slope overlooking the Mississippi River to its native landscape with native warm-season grasses. Read more!
USDA Blog » USDA Plant Experts Help Cemetery Tame Slope with Native Grasses
blogs.usda.gov
NRCS Soil Conservationist Allen Casey, Biological Technician Nick Adams and Plant Materials Center Manager Ron Cordsiemon select a blend of warm season grass seed for both drill and broadcast into the field at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. NRCS photo.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture shared a link.
September 12
On a recent trip to Africa, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden spent time in Ethiopia witnessing how USDA’s work there is helping the country’s agricultural sector to grow and thrive, especially for women farmers. She visited a smal...l-scale, woman-owned dairy farm near the town of Mojo, about 50 miles south of Addis Ababa, to see how the Feed Enhancement for Ethiopian Development (FEED) project has boosted milk production through better feeding practices and farm management. See More
USDA Blog » Food for Progress Helps Female Farmer Forge Path to Success in Ethiopia
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Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden stands with dairy farm owner Ms. Yetemwork Tilahun on Tilahun’s farm near the city of Mojo, about 50 miles south of Addis Ababa, Ethopia on Aug. 28, 2014. USDA photo.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture shared a link.
September 12
It’s National Preparedness Month. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) wants to remind you to take steps that not only protect your family members but your pets in the event of an emergency situation. Read more to find information on how to prepare!
USDA Blog » Do YOU Have a Plan for Your Pets Should Disaster Strike?
blogs.usda.gov
A dog being photographed at the APHIS Animal Care joint emergency exercise in Baton Rouge, LA.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture shared a link.
September 12
The Natural Resources Conservation Service works with ranchers and partners to improve habitat for sage grouse with funding through the Sage Grouse Initiative. Read more about how an Idaho ranch is helping sage grouse and other wildlife!
USDA Blog » Idaho Ranch Applies ‘All Lands Management’ to Benefit Sage Grouse, Other Wildlife
blogs.usda.gov
A sage grouse chick on the Big Creek Ranch - photo taken in the wet meadow area that's important for brood-rearing. (Alexis Collins, NRCS, photo)
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U.S. Department of Agriculture
September 12
As AmeriCorps celebrates its 20th anniversary, USDA salutes the deep relationship we’ve had with these remarkable volunteers and service members. From engaging in critical natural conservation efforts to helping kids learn more about nutrition and gardening to working directly with local organizations in communities enduring chronic poverty, USDA is proud to be an AmeriCorps partner.
Photo: As AmeriCorps celebrates its 20th anniversary, USDA salutes the deep relationship we’ve had with these remarkable volunteers and service members. From engaging in critical natural conservation efforts to helping kids learn more about nutrition and gardening to working directly with local organizations in communities enduring chronic poverty, USDA is proud to be an AmeriCorps partner.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture
September 12
These endangered black-footed ferrets are the first of more than thirty scheduled for release this fall onto 34 square miles of prairie habitat at the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and Meadow Springs Ranch in northern Colorado with help of the USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services (WS) program and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Read more: http://ow.ly/Br4zo
Photo: These endangered black-footed ferrets are the first of more than thirty scheduled for release this fall onto 34 square miles of prairie habitat at the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and Meadow Springs Ranch in northern Colorado with help of the USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services (WS) program and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Read more: http://ow.ly/Br4zo
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U.S. Department of Agriculture shared a link.
September 12
Today’s Cafeteria Stories contribution comes from Dr. Robert Lewis of the El Monte School District in Southern California. Dr. Lewis describes the success that his urban school district has had with school gardening, and how gardening helps to transform the food culture among students who were previously unaware of the origins of food.
USDA Blog » Durfee Students Learn Healthy Habits in the Garden, Classroom, and Cafeteria
blogs.usda.gov
Dr. Robert Lewis, Director of Nutrition Services, El Monte School District. Photo credit: Jim Newberry
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U.S. Department of Agriculture shared a link.
September 12
As young learners of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation of Oregon walk through the doors of their new school this month, they will become part of a new history of education ideals and community collaboration that will ensure their future success and well-being. Read more about the new Warm Springs Academy!
USDA Blog » New State-of-the-Art School Complex on the Warm Springs Reservation Celebrates...
blogs.usda.gov
Deputy Secretary Patrice Kunesh congratulates the tribal community at the dedication of the new Warm Springs Academy in Warm Springs, Oregon, last month.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture
September 11
Farming has been a part of New Mexico as far back as 2,500 years ago beginning with the Mogollon people who grew corn, squash and beans. Throughout history, American Indians, Spanish explorers and Anglo pioneers all played key roles in shaping what you see in our state’s agriculture today. Read more: http://t.co/5ihR6Y8hNx
Photo: Farming has been a part of New Mexico as far back as 2,500 years ago beginning with the Mogollon people who grew corn, squash and beans. Throughout history, American Indians, Spanish explorers and Anglo pioneers all played key roles in shaping what you see in our state’s agriculture today. Read more: http://t.co/5ihR6Y8hNx
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