This week I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the 1890 land-grant institutions from across the country to begin a new dialogue and chart a new course together to help ensure that American agriculture remains productive, prosperous, and sustainable.  These institutions, historically black universities that were established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890, are critical to USDA research and to the vitality of U.S. agriculture. Read more »

Acaimie Catron is a 16 year old 4-H member from Tippecanoe County, IN. She is interested in pursuing a career in food sciences or business management.

This post is part of a special series written by students celebrating 4-H’s commitment to science.

What is 4-H? Does 4-H offer youth any opportunities to learn about science? As a very involved eight-year 4-H member, I believe I hold the key to unlocking the answers to these questions. Read more »

Meredith Koch is a 16 year old 4-H member from Marshall County, MS.

From the waters that run deep through the earth to the moisture that composes clouds in the sky, water hydrates all life forms on earth. Water also affects global weather that makes earth hospitable for living creatures and plants. This resource is all around us yet we rarely understand the need to conserve and protect our water. Read more »

Just as adults receive nutritional benefits from a diet rich in seafood, babies and toddlers also need the omega-3 fatty acids for brain, nerve and eye development. Researchers at the University of Illinois and the Alaska’s Agricultural Research Service have developed baby food made from salmon to incorporate fish into children’s diets. Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

This post is part of the Science Tuesday feature series on the USDA blog. Check back each week as we showcase stories and news from the USDA’s rich science and research portfolio.

As adults, we have heard for years about the value of adding fish to our diets. But have you ever stopped to consider the health benefits a diet rich in seafood can offer your children? Read more »