USDA

Nov 01 2025BUSINESS

Farmers Await USDA Reports Amid Government Shutdown

The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it will release important crop reports in November, despite the ongoing government shutdown. This includes the monthly crop supply and demand report, which was skipped in October due to the shutdown. The report, originally planned for November 10, has been rescheduled for November 14. It will provide the first ...

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Oct 21 2025POLITICS

Food Stamps in Jeopardy: What's at Stake for Millions?

A looming crisis is on the horizon for millions of Americans who depend on food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits. The federal government shutdown is threatening to disrupt these vital payments, leaving many families uncertain about their next meal. The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which manages the SNAP program, has warned states that there might not b...

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Jul 19 2025EDUCATION

A Professor's Journey into Agriculture Opportunities

Jenny Fisher, a biology professor at Indiana University Northwest, has been selected for a prestigious fellowship with the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This program, known as the E. Kika De La Garza science fellowship, aims to boost agricultural opportunities and support Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) like IUN. Fisher found out about this opportunit...

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Jul 16 2025OPINION

Keeping Food Safe: A Fresh Look at America's Food Safety Plan

Food safety is a big deal. It's not just about having a full stomach; it's about having a safe one. The U. S. is taking steps to make sure that the food on our plates is the safest it can be. This isn't just about slogans or promises. It's about action. The plan involves five key points. First, there's a push to improve testing and inspections. This means more liste...

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Apr 23 2025HEALTH

Aldi's Pork Problem: What You Need to Know

Aldi shoppers in Minnesota, and across the U. S. , should take a moment to check their freezers. The popular discount grocery store has been flagged for a potential hazard in one of its products. The U. S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a public health alert. The issue involves a 16-ounce package of pork carnitas. The pro...

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Apr 12 2025POLITICS

The Battle Over School Sports Funding

A federal judge has stepped in to unblock money that was supposed to go to Maine. The U. S. Department of Agriculture had frozen these funds. This all started because of a disagreement between the former president and the governor of Maine. The issue began when the former president signed an order. This order said that transgender girls could not play on girls' spor...

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Mar 11 2025OPINION

Bird Flu: The Hidden Truth Behind the Crisis

The bird flu crisis has been raging for three years, with nearly 170 million farmed birds lost and 70 human infections reported. The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $1 billion plan to tackle the issue. However, this plan might not be as effective as it seems. The strategy focuses on protecting against wild birds while allocating $400 million to...

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Jan 26 2025HEALTH

What Makes Rural Northern New England Healthy?

Rural areas often struggle with diet-related health issues, which is why the U. S. Department of Agriculture wants to help. But what makes some rural communities succeed in keeping their people healthy? Let's look at rural northern New England as an example. Instead of focusing on what they lack, we'll use an asset-based approach. This means we'll look at all the goo...

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Jan 24 2025POLITICS

Nominee Promises Fair Wildfire Help, Acknowledges Political Challenges

Brooke Rollins, nominated to lead the U. S. Department of Agriculture, assured senators that politics won't sway how wildfires are fought in California. At her confirmation hearing, she also admitted that President Trump's plans could cause trouble for farmers. Rollins, a lawyer from Texas, backed Trump's immigration and trade policies but promised to ease the impact...

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Jan 06 2025HEALTH

Frozen Ground Beef Warns: Look Out for Plastic and Metal Pieces

Ever heard of a food alert? Well, there's one now for a type of frozen ground beef. The U. S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has just warned people about a specific product. This ground beef, made by a company in Oxford, Ohio, might have bits of plastic or metal in it. How did this happen? A customer found some hard plastic and ...

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