Tom Vilsack

WASHINGTON -- Sarah Bittleman, the new agriculture counselor at the Environmental Protection Agency, is determined to improve communications between rural America and an agency that many farmers consider both economically and culturally threatening. "My...

In 1999, President Bill Clinton set out to right a wrong: the government's widespread discrimination against black farmers, particularly in the South. The victims had applied for farming loans but, owing to bias on the part of federal loan officers, had...

* White House seeks biggest change in aid since Cold War * Opposition began work months ago on Capitol Hill * Reforms have mostly detractors, few supporters in Congress By Charles Abbott WASHINGTON, May 1 (Reuters) - A White House plan to modernize...

WASHINGTON - U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced the re-establishment of the Forestry Research Advisory Council and is seeking nominations for new members. "This council will play a critical role as USDA continues to lead the way...

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed a series of changes to make it easier for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to apply for renewable energy and energy efficiency funding. USDA remains focused on carrying out...

Farming advocates are pressing Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski to reverse a little-noticed measure approved by Congress last month that rescinded tough new rules on the poultry industry — a move that has strained the already rocky relationship between mom-...

Later this month, on April 29 and 30th, the G-8 will host an important meeting on Open Data for Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture is organizing the meeting on behalf of the United States for members of the G-8 and interested parties. I bet that...

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture will cut the direct payments for all crop farmers by 8.5 percent this year, not just for farmers who would be required to pay back certain other payments, a representative for the USDA's Farm Service...

Huron - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will launch its ”StrikeForce” initiative in 10 additional states, including South Dakota. Bennett, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Corson, Dewey, Gregory, Jackson, Lyman,...

The musical "Annie" is enjoying another revival on Broadway. The show opened during the Carter administration, when America was in need of some optimism. "The sun'll come out tomorrow," sang Annie, and with the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980, for a...

Celebrate commitment of farmers, ranchers every day To the editor: On March 19, the U.S. Department of Agriculture joined millions of Americans in celebrating National Agriculture Day. National Agriculture Day provides an important opportunity...

U of M Sielhl Prize winners announced ST. PAUL, Minn. - An expert in wheat diseases, a food company executive and a pair of entrepreneurs have won the University of Minnesota's Siehl Prize in Agriculture. This year's recipients include: n University...