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U.S. Department of Agriculture: Quick Facts

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News •

New World screwworm spreads in New Mexico amid warm, wet fall • Nov. 10, 2026, 8:00 PM ET (Sante Fe New Mexican)
USDA warns: Don't eat these frozen meat products • Nov. 10, 2026, 8:30 AM ET (USA Today)
USDA mass reorganization plan remains on hold • Nov. 9, 2026, 2:07 PM ET (Federal News Network)
The debate over USDA mass reorganization plans intensifies • Nov. 5, 2026, 2:15 PM ET (Federal News Network)
Bird flu outbreak at Utah mink farm sparks concerns about government response • Oct. 26, 2026, 10:52 AM ET (The Guardian)

Facts

Also Known As USDA
Date 1862 - present
Areas Of Involvement Origins of agriculture • national forest
Related People Ezra Taft Benson

Photos

The official seal of the United States Department of Agriculture features a shield with a sheaf of wheat and a plow, surrounded by a ring of stars and a rope border. The outer ring displays the department name and two banners with the years 1862 and 1889, along with the motto agriculture is the foundation of manufacture and commerce.
certified organic
USDA poster from the Dust Bowl era
USDA MyPlate dietary guidelines
Map of the National Mall area in Washington, D.C., highlighting major streets, metro stations, parks, government buildings, and prominent points of interest such as museums, memorials, and federal offices. Key landmarks include the Capitol, White House, Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian museums, and the Washington Monument, with a numbered legend identifying each site.
USDA MyPyramid dietary guidelines
USDA Food Guide Pyramid
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