USDA Press Release

Letter to the Editor: On Farms and Ranches, Every Day Is Earth Day

By: Gary Six, State Executive Director, Texas Farm Service Agency and Salvador Salinas Texas, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service

USDA Announces Buy-Up Coverage Availability, New Service Fees for Noninsured Crop Coverage Policies

Changes apply Beginning April 8, 2019

April 9, 2019 Washington – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that higher levels of coverage will be offered through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), a popular safety net program, beginning April 8, 2019. The 2018 Farm Bill also increased service fees and made other changes to the program, including service fee waivers for qualified military veterans interested in obtaining NAP coverage.

USDA to Host 2018 Farm Bill Implementation Listening Session

February 13, 2019 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey announced that USDA is hosting a listening session for initial input on the 2018 Farm Bill. USDA is seeking public input on the changes to existing programs implemented by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Risk Management Agency. Each agency will take into account stakeholder input when making discretionary decisions on program implementation.

Panola County Processing, LLC Recalls Sausage Products Due to Possible Processing Deviation

February 11, 2019 - Panola County Processing, LLC, a Carthage, Texas establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 59 pounds of smoked sausage products due to a processing deviation that may have led to underprocessing of products, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The pork smoked sausage links and venison and pork sausage links items were produced on Jan. 29, 2019. The following products are subject to recall:

Spread Holiday Cheer, Not Foodborne Illnesses, This Season

December 11, 2018 Washington – If you’re cooking for friends and family this holiday season, it’s important to make sure you’re not spreading bacteria that can cause harmful foodborne illnesses.

A recent study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and North Carolina State University found that Americans are practicing some disturbing food handling behaviors when it comes to preparing food at home.

Possible Salmonella Contamination Spurs Jennie-O to Recall Raw Ground Turkey

November 16, 2018 – EDITOR’S NOTE: FSIS and our public health partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health officials, are investigating a Salmonella Reading outbreak. Please note that FSIS is continuing to investigate illnesses associated with this widespread outbreak, and additional product from other companies may also be recalled. Salmonella is prevalent and can be present in raw poultry and meat – no raw poultry or meat is sterile.

USDA Provides Food Safety Tips to Keep Foodborne Illness Out of the Classroom

August 14, 2018 — It’s the start of the new school year, which means new teachers, a bunch of homework assignments and the never-ending dilemma of what to include to make a healthy and safe school lunch.

FSA County Producers Have Until August 1 to Submit FSA County Committee Nominations

July 30, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Executive Director for Nacogdoches-Angelina-Trinity-San Augustine-Shelby County, Lance Jacobs, today reminded farmers and ranchers that they have until August 1, 2018, to nominate eligible candidates to serve on local FSA county committees.

Study Shows Most People Spread Dangerous Bacteria Around the Kitchen, Don’t Even Realize It

June 28, 2018 - A new study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that when it comes to handwashing before meals, consumers are failing to properly clean their hands 97 percent of the time. Rushed handwashing can lead to cross-contamination of food and other surfaces, resulting in foodborne illness.

Tyson Foods Inc. Recalls Breaded Chicken Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

June 8, 2018 - Tyson Foods Inc., a North Little Rock, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 3,120 pounds of frozen breaded chicken products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically blue and clear soft plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

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