Leadership on #food, #agriculture, natural resources, #rural development, #nutrition, & related issues based on public policy, science, & effective management.
Washington, DC
Joined July 2009
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Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
America’s farmers need data they can trust. Today, I signed @USDA’s November Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates reports, which provide information on crop production, food supplies, and demand.
Through USDA’s Data Modernization Plan, we’re enhancing accuracy, making the process more transparent, and reducing unnecessary paperwork for farmers.
Here’s how:
🌾 Bringing in university experts to independently review how USDA produces its reports.
🌾 Partnering with @NASA to improve the data and technology we use.
🌾 Testing survey links sent by text and email to make it easier for farmers to respond.
🌾 Using AI to flag possible inconsistencies in reports before they’re published.
Better information. Less paperwork. Greater trust.
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
Their service to America didn't end when they took off the uniform.
Today, we honored the veterans whose dedication, leadership, and sense of duty continue to strengthen our Department and the communities we serve.
We also took an important step to honor our fallen heroes, signing an MOU with the @DeptofWar to establish the Gold Star Trails Initiative.
Through this partnership, Gold Star Families will be able to nominate National Forest trails to be named or dedicated in honor of their loved ones who gave their lives defending our nation, creating lasting tributes for generations of Americans to remember their sacrifice.
Thank you to @SBA_Kelly , @SecVetAffairs, and @USW_PR_HONTata for joining us today and for your continued commitment to America's veterans and military families.
To every veteran, Gold Star Family, and military family: thank you. May God bless you and the country you have given so much to defend. 🇺🇸
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
USDA APHIS is hiring! Join us Nov. 17–19 in McAllen, TX to help staff 200+ positions at the new NWS Sterile Fly Production Facility in Edinburg, TX.
Interviews on-site. Bring a résumé!
Event info: 8am – 8 pm CST, Embassy Suites McAllen.
Learn more: aphis.usda.gov/careers/job-o…
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
America’s ranchers feed our families, care for our land, and keep rural communities strong. They deserve a government that works FOR them, not against them.
Today, @USDA is taking action to expand grazing opportunities, cut burdensome regulations, and give ranchers greater access to National Forest System lands. @forestservice
Building on our Grazing Action Plan, we’re making it easier for ranchers to do what they do best.
Thank you to @SecretaryBurgum and @Interior for standing with us in this effort.
Under @POTUS, we’re putting America’s ranchers FIRST. 🇺🇸
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
Yesterday, @USDA kicked off our largest-ever Agribusiness Trade Mission, bringing together more than 150 participants from agribusinesses, state departments of agriculture, and trade organizations to expand export opportunities for American producers in Vietnam. Building on our $5.6 billion agricultural trade relationship, we're creating new opportunities for U.S. farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agribusinesses.
Highlights included:
✅Meeting with Vietnamese industry leaders to expand trade in U.S. cotton, wood products, and leather.
✅Visiting ABC Bakery - which uses U.S. wheat, dairy, fruits, nuts, and berries in their 80K+ product per day operation - for a hands-on baking session with the owner.
✅Launching a two-week "Taste of USA" promotion featuring 400+ U.S. products in 12 stores across Vietnam.
✅Connecting U.S. exporters with Vietnamese buyers at an agricultural showcase and networking event.
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
🚨 TUESDAY TAKEDOWN: STEAL SNAP. GET BUSTED.
More than $862,000 in SNAP benefits allegedly diverted—with some wired overseas to Ramallah in the West Bank.
Florida authorities arrested Anwar Jouda for allegedly using a stolen identity, forged documents, and fraudulent merchant accounts to redirect SNAP funds into accounts he controlled.
He now faces charges of grand theft, organized scheme to defraud, and criminal use of personal identification information.
These benefits are meant to help eligible American families put food on the table. Every dollar stolen is a dollar taken from those who need it.
@USDA will keep fighting to protect taxpayers and root out SNAP fraud.
Report suspected fraud: fns.usda.gov/fraud
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
Proud to stand alongside @SecWar as he works tirelessly to strengthen our military, defend our homeland, and put America’s security FIRST.
At @USDA, we know that farm security is national security. Through our National Farm Security Action Plan, we’ve worked alongside @SecWar to protect American farmland from foreign adversaries, secure our food supply, and safeguard the farmers and ranchers who feed our nation.
Because farm security IS national security. 🇺🇸
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
Just announced our list of participants for next week’s agribusiness trade mission to Vietnam — the largest delegation we’ve EVER sent to the country.
The mission begins on Nov. 9.
Stay tuned for updates!
🔗fas.usda.gov/newsroom/usda-a…
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
🚨AFFORDABILITY ALERT!🇺🇸
Thanksgiving sides and staples for under $20.
Under @POTUS, we’re seeing real progress on grocery costs — and retailers are responding.
Nearly 100 holiday items are now priced lower at more than 21,000 @DollarGeneral stores nationwide. More work ahead, but America First policies are putting more food on the table and more money in your wallet.
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
🌽🚜 With updated stocking standards going into effect today, farmers’ markets and producers selling staple foods continue to qualify for SNAP authorization.
Most farmers’ markets and direct marketing farmers already qualify, helping connect SNAP participants with healthy food options in their communities. fna.usda.gov/snap/retailer/e… #EatRealFood #Local
ALT Display of fresh fruits and vegetables at an outdoor market. Crates and bins are filled with a wide variety of produce, including tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots, eggplants, bell peppers, leafy greens, cauliflower, cabbage, green onions, radishes, grapes, kiwis, apples, and citrus fruits.
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
REAL FOOD. REAL CHOICES. 🥗 🥕
Beginning today, updated SNAP retailer stocking standards take effect. We’re strengthening access to nutritious foods for vulnerable families and communities and closing junk food loopholes. Learn more: fna.usda.gov/snap/retailer/s… #EatRealFood
ALT USDA infographic titled "Final Rule: SNAP Retailer Stocking Requirements" displayed over a blurred grocery produce section. The graphic explains three changes to SNAP retailer stocking standards: (1) increases required variety in each staple food category from 3 to 7 items, raising the total required variety from 12 to 28 items; (2) more than doubles the minimum food choices available to SNAP participants, emphasizes whole foods, and increases perishable food requirements; and (3) eliminates loopholes that allow certain snack foods to count as staple foods, emphasizing healthy, whole foods. Checkmark icons accompany each point. At the bottom, illustrations of bread, grapes, milk, apples, and broccoli represent staple food categories.
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
A little planning now means less scrambling later. Get Thanksgiving prep underway with this week’s reminders ⤵️
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
Today, I sent Governor Beshear a response to his recent letter – or publicity stunt – on food stamps. Which is rich considering he’s suing the Trump Administration in order to protect criminals rather than low-income Kentuckians. The American people can smell political ambition from a mile away. More here⬇️
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
When serious Animal Welfare Act violations put animals at risk, USDA acts. Working wtih @TheJusticeDept, USDA helped secure the removal of 1,000+ chinchillas from an Ohio breeding facility & revoke the facility's AWA license. More: justice.gov/opa/pr/ohio-pet-… gcc02.safelinks.protection.o…
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
🚨 TUESDAY TAKEDOWN 🚨
A Pennsylvania welfare supervisor is accused of stealing more than $20,500 in food assistance benefits — and trading EBT cards for CRACK COCAINE.
Prosecutors say Sheila McDonald’s alleged scheme involved 48 EBT cards and more than 270 unauthorized transactions. She now faces multiple felony charges.
Benefits meant to feed families should NEVER bankroll drugs.
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
OCTOBER 2026: WINS FOR AMERICA! 🇺🇸
Delivering relief for farmers. Strengthening American beef production. Lowering costs. Expanding markets. Protecting livestock. Fighting fraud.
✅ Another month of delivering REAL RESULTS for America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities!
Under @POTUS and @VP, @USDA is turning promises into ACTION and putting AMERICA FIRST.
Swipe through October’s wins for American agriculture ➡️
More work ahead. More progress to make.
ON TO NOVEMBER!
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
Build single board bat houses to celebrate #BatWeek!
Bat houses should be hung at least 10 feet, and preferably 15 feet above the ground. A warm east wall near vegetation and a water source is best for bats making the house their home.
Dept. of Agriculture retweeted
This #Halloween,treat yourself to some
pumpkin data! 🎃
Check out this Chart of Note to learn how your State stacks up.
Pumpkins harvested on more than 99,000 acres across the Nation. Learn more in this Chart of Note: ers.usda.gov/data-products/c…
ALT State map of the United States showing the acres of pumpkins harvested by State in 2022.