Westlands Water District is encouraged by the introduction by Senator Dianne Feinstein of the California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2015. The State is facing unprecedented drought conditions, and the…
The Western View: Processed Food
…with fructose sounds much better – after all, it comes from fruit – but scientists say that sometimes it is the less healthy choice. However, the FDA has not studied…
Common Insect Impacting Wasp Effectiveness
…saw an interesting trend with a common orchard floor pest. Hoddle says baits and traps are laborious and difficult to work with, but they’re trying to develop a better product….
USDA, Microsoft to Launch “Innovation Challenge” to Address Food Resiliency
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is partnering with Microsoft to launch the “Innovation Challenge,” a contest designed to explore how climate change will impact the United States’ food system…
House Passes H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act
Rep. K. Michael Conaway (R-TX), chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act by a…
Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015
Bob Stallman “Congress stood with farmers and ranchers today in supporting innovation that helps the environment and keeps food prices down for everyone. The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act…
Food Labeling Act H.R. 1599 Passes House Vote
The full House has passed the GMO Labeling Bill H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015, with a vote of 275 yes, 150 no. The bill…
The Western View: The Mussel Slough Tragedy
…Mussel Slough Tragedy With the transcontinental railroad, settlers poured in to the Central Valley. The Homestead Act made it possible for anyone to build a farm. Also, land was available…
USDA and NASA Expand Efforts in Space and on Earth
Space satellite orbiting the earth. Elements of this image furnished by NASA. Cathy Isom tells us how the USDA and NASA are using satellites to better monitor soil moisture and…
Women Ag Network
…address, agwomenlead@usda.gov, for you to share your suggestions, stories and other snippets on how the USDA can build a new generation of women leaders in agriculture. By e-mailing them, you…
Westlands Statement on Passage of H.R. 2898
Today’s passage of H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015, is a positive step in the enactment of legislation that will bring common sense to…
Harden in California to Talk about Women in Ag, Sign NASA Agreement
…collaboration between NASA and the USDA. The agencies also seek to better collaborate on education and communication activities that inspire youth in America to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering,…
Rep. Valadao Delivers Remarks on Water Bill H.R. 2898
On Wednesday, July 15, 2015, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) delivered remarks on the House Floor regarding H.R. 2898; the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015. The…
USDA Announces Three New Centers of Excellence with a Consortium of 1890 Colleges and Universities
…USDA has partnered with 1890s schools in a number of ways to make a positive impact in the lives of underserved farmers, youth and communities. Some recent actions include: Providing…









