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Articles by Tom Vilsack
Feeding the world really will take a village, more than ever | Opinion Original
Tom Vilsack is president and CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation. He was governor of Iowa from 1999 to 2007 and served 12 years as U.S. secretary of agriculture. On July 22, 2026, at the Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates, the World Food Prize Foundation will once again — as it has for the past 20 years — host the Iowa Hunger Summit.
McGovern-Dole Food for Education program still benefits Kansas farmers, and the world | Opinion Original
The McGovern-Dole Food for Education program was created in 2002 around a simple but profound idea: that the abundance of American agriculture could help feed hungry children across the world, giving them a better shot at learning, growing and building a future. Named for Sens.
Vilsack, Beccera: As bird flu threat grows, here's how we're ensuring safe milk | Opinion
Xavier Becerra is secretary of Health and Human Services. Tom Vilsack is secretary of Agriculture. When President Joe Biden took office, our nation was reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. During his first year in office, our administration successfully brought the pandemic under control and got America back on its feet. Today, that experience is helping us better prepare to address future health emergencies.
As bird flu threat grows, here's how Biden is responding to ensure milk is safe | Opinion
Avian flu variants have proven to be particularly unpredictable and dangerous to humans in the past. That is why the Biden administration's response has been a top priority. Show Caption Hide Caption First severe case of bird flu reported Just days after the CDC reassured people that the risk of contracting bird flu remains low among humans, the agency reported the first case of severe illness caused by an infection in the United States.
Beef export value climbing
June exports of U.S. beef reached the highest value in nearly 2 years, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While June pork exports were lower year-over-year, shipments through the first half of the year remained ahead of the record value pace of 2023. Beef exports totaled 110,155 metric tons (mt) in June, down 4% from a year ago but the second largest of 2024.
Good biosecurity is the key to mitigating the spread of H5N1
The more we learn about H5N1, the more we understand that good biosecurity is a critically important path to containing the virus. Containing, and eliminating, the virus in our dairy cattle is essential — to protect the health of our herds and flocks, our farmers, our farmworkers, our families and the rural economy they make possible. I’m writing today to ask farmers across the country to help control the spread of the virus.
Good Biosecurity Can Contain Flu
Michiana's Popular Farm Paper Since 1926 Home > Columns > Articles Good Biosecurity Can Contain Flu Published: Friday, August 2, 2024 The following is from Tom Vilsack, secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The more we learn about H5N1, the more we understand that good biosecurity is a critically important path to containing the virus.
Good biosecurity is the key to mitigating spread of H5N1
The more we learn about H5N1, the more we understand that good biosecurity is a critically important path to containing the virus. Containing, and eliminating, the virus in our dairy cattle is essential — to protect the health of our herds and flocks, our farmers, our farmworkers, our families and the rural economy they make possible. I’m writing today to ask Farm Bureau members and dairy producers across the country to help control the spread of the virus.
Good Biosecurity is Key to Mitigating the Spread of H5N1
By Tom Vilsack The more we learn about highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), the more we understand good biosecurity is a critically important path to containing the virus. Containing and eliminating the virus in our dairy cattle is essential to protect the health of our herds and flocks, farmers, farmworkers, families and the rural economy they make possible.
Op-Ed: Good Biosecurity is the Key to Mitigating the Spread of H5N1
By Tom Vilsack The more we learn about H5N1, the more we understand that good biosecurity is a critically important path to containing the virus. Containing, and eliminating, the virus in our dairy cattle is essential – to protect the health of our herds and flocks, our farmers, our farmworkers, our families, and the rural economy they make possible.
Opinion: Good biosecurity is the key to mitigating the spread of H5N1 bird flu
The more we learn about H5N1, the more we understand that good biosecurity is a critically important path to containing the virus. Containing, and eliminating, the virus in our dairy cattle is essential — to protect the health of our herds and flocks, our farmers, our farmworkers, our families and the rural economy they make possible. This past winter a group of migrating wild birds infected with H5N1 transferred the virus to dairy cattle somewhere in the Texas panhandle region.
Good biosecurity is the key to mitigating the spread of H5N1 bird flu
The more we learn about H5N1, the more we understand that good biosecurity is a critically important path to containing the virus. Containing, and eliminating, the virus in our dairy cattle is essential — to protect the health of our herds and flocks, our farmers, our farmworkers, our families, and the rural economy they make possible. This past winter a group of migrating wild birds infected with H5N1 transferred the virus to dairy cattle somewhere in the Texas panhandle region.
Opinion: Good biosecurity is the key to mitigating the spread of H5N1
The more we learn about H5N1, the more we understand that good biosecurity is a critically important path to containing the virus. Containing and eliminating the virus in our dairy cattle is essential – to protect the health of our herds and flocks, our farmers, our farmworkers, our families, and the rural economy they make possible.
A thank you to American agriculture
America’s farmers, ranchers and growers are some of our nation’s greatest assets. Not only do we rely on agriculture for our food, feed, fiber, and fuel, our agricultural producers preserve our environment, and help drive our national economy. As I travel the country, I often ask folks when they last took a moment to thank or appreciate a farmer.
Agriculture Secretary: How the USDA plans to protect families losing SNAP pandemic benefits
Editor’s Note: Tom Vilsack is the US Secretary of the Department of Agriculture. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion articles on CNN. CNN — Our country was founded to support the prosperity and potential of Americans in every corner of the nation. Under President Joe Biden’s administration, we’re making good on this promise. The price of gas is down, employment is up and we’ve seen record exports for American goods.
Inflation Reduction Act funding for climate-smart agriculture available
NRCS is making available $850 million in fiscal year 2023 for its oversubscribed conservation programs: the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).The increased funding levels begin in fiscal year 2023 and rapidly build over four years.NRCS plans to roll out the next RCPP funding opportunity in early spring, which will include IRA funds from...
White House invests $59 Million to strengthen food supply chain and rural economies
Dispatchist News from around the globe in real time Client login White House invests $59 Million to strengthen food supply chain and rural economies U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Tuesday that the Biden-Harris Administration is investing $59 million across the country (PDF, 153 KB) to increase independent meat and Log In Sign Up You are logged in Switch accounts
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of Inflation Reduction Act Funding for Climate-Smart Agriculture Nationwide
Dispatchist News from around the globe in real time Client login Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of Inflation Reduction Act Funding for Climate-Smart Agriculture Nationwide NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 13, 2023 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making funding available for agr...
Colorado Department of Education to direct implementation of free healthy school meals program at the start of 2023-2024 academic year - State of Reform
” The Biden administration announced on Friday p for school meals, including reductions in sugar and salt content and a focus on whole-grain offerings.US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the Department of Agriculture would pursue the new initiatives as well as support and enhance the health of American children through nutritious school meals.Research shows school meals are the healthiest meals in a day for most kids, proving that they are an important tool for giving kids access to the...
Agriculture Department proposes sugar and salt limits in school meals
The USDA on Friday proposed new nutrition standards for school meals, including the first limits on added sugars and salt.
USDA proposes changes to nutrition standards in school cafeterias
The US Department of Agriculture has proposed new nutrition standards for school meals, targeting sugar and sodium.
Conference highlights U.S. climate efforts
SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt – At the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference this week, we noted the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s initiatives and investments in climate-smart agriculture and forestry. Global food security depends upon the ability of farmers and producers worldwide to increase their productivity while strengthening their climate resilience and minimizing their climate impacts.
New steps to protect consumers from Salmonella in poultry
As you read this, millions of Americans across the country are preparing meals for their families, friends, or themselves. Some may be racing to pack lunches for their kids, others might be preparing for a large family gathering. Regardless of the purpose of a meal, we can all relate to how food brings us together and that is why we want the safest options for all of us.
American agriculture rises to the challenge of tackling climate change
There is no question that agricultural producers, rural communities and consumers are experiencing the impacts of a warming climate firsthand, perhaps more than most. The good news is that American agriculture is and will continue to help lead the way for the rest of the world in tackling this crisis. U.S. farmers are already adapting to climate change and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause it.
American agriculture rises to the challenge of tackling climate change
There is no question that agricultural producers, rural communities and consumers are experiencing the impacts of a warming climate firsthand, perhaps more than most. The good news is that American agriculture is and will continue to help lead the way for the rest of the world in tackling this crisis. U.S. farmers are already adapting to climate change and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause it.
Tom Vilsack: American agriculture rises to the challenge of tackling climate change
There is no question that agricultural producers, rural communities and consumers are experiencing the impacts of a warming climate firsthand, perhaps more than most. The good news is that American agriculture is and will continue to help lead the way for the rest of the world in tackling this crisis. U.S. farmers are already adapting to climate change and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause it.
American agriculture rises to the challenge of tackling climate change
There is no question that agricultural producers, rural communities and consumers are experiencing the impacts of a warming climate firsthand, perhaps more than most. An intensifying and growing wildfire season, more powerful storms, and longer and more intense droughts all threaten the property, livelihood and well-being of rural communities and agriculture producers.
American agriculture rises to the challenge of tackling climate change
There is no question that agricultural producers, rural communities and consumers are experiencing the impacts of a warming climate firsthand, perhaps more than most. An intensifying and growing wildfire season, more powerful storms, and longer and more intense droughts all threaten the property, livelihood and well-being of rural communities and agriculture producers.
VILSACK: Agriculture rises to the challenge of tackling climate change
There is no question that agricultural producers, rural communities and consumers are experiencing the impacts of a warming climate firsthand, perhaps more than most. An intensifying and growing wildfire season, more powerful storms, and longer and more intense droughts all threaten the property, livelihood and well-being of rural communities and agriculture producers.
FSA Administrator: Most FSA Offices Open for Farmer Appointments - DTN
Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux praised FSA employees for their work during the pandemic and acknowledged there are growing calls from farm groups to reopen all FSA offices back to full capacity. Ducheneaux addressed an array of topics Monday during a speech to members of the National Farmers Union in Denver and an interview with DTN on farm programs and office staffing.
Supply Chain Snags Garner DOJ Attention - DTN
Liquid fertilizer containers.
DTN Grain Midday: Corn, Soybeans Lower; Wheat Mixed
Photo: Iowa State University Corn futures are 3 to 4 cents lower at midday Monday; soybean futures are 19 to 22 cents lower; wheat futures are 5 cents lower to 2 cents higher. CORN: Corn futures are 3 to 4 cents lower with early strength fading on spillover pressure from soybeans with softer overall commodity action and flat spread trade.
DTN Livestock Midday: Contracts Push Higher Into New Week
After traders dumped the livestock complex last Thursday, we have seen some more interest in Monday’s market, which is helping prices move higher. GENERAL COMMENTS: As the week starts out, the livestock complex is optimistic as the live cattle, feeder cattle and lean hog futures trade mostly higher. Helping drive the markets higher is the phenomenal fundamental demand the market has seen for both pork cutouts and packer interest in the cash cattle market.
DTN Cotton Open: Lower on Geo-Political Jitters
©Debra L Ferguson Stock Photography The cotton market is triple digits lower Monday morning as the Russia/Ukraine event continues to dominate world news and world markets. Nonetheless, this situation should have no direct effect on the global cotton trade unless things get out of hand. The market is also reeling amid last week’s neutral-to-unfriendly crop data Wednesday followed by Thursday’s wobbly export sales.
DTN Grain Open: Mixed Trade, Focus Remains on Ukraine
©Debra L Ferguson Stock Images Pre-6 a.m. Globex Prices: March corn is steady, March soybeans are down 14 1/4 cents, and March KC wheat is up 9 1/2 cents. CME Globex Recap: Grain markets are mixed with wheat markets up while the soy complex is lower and corn is flat. News from the Black Sea and weather reports from South America should dominate trade flow this week. Global equity markets are sharply lower overnight with U.S. futures following suit.
DTN Livestock Open: Traders Wary Over Further Weakness
There was quite a bit of movement Friday in the cattle complex, but the result was a mixed close for live cattle and lower for feeder cattle. With no further surprises in the cash market, traders did not have much to go on to push futures higher. Hogs were under a little more pressure with numerous contracts posting triple-digit losses. Traders were not ready to buy into the market.
Livestock: Court Vacates Gray Wolf Endangered Species Act Delisting - DTN
Male gray wolf. Photo: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife A federal court on Thursday vacated a Trump-era rule that removed the gray wolf from the endangered list in the lower 48 states, sparking frustration from agriculture interests who say federal protections are not needed.
USDA’s Partnership for Climate-Smart Ag - DTN
Robert Bonnie, USDA’s undersecretary for farm production and conservation, sees a movement ahead in agriculture where farmers are paid not just for what they grow, but how they grow it. As USDA rolled out its Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities pilot program this week, the department took a pivot with the Commodity Credit Corp.
Climate-smart funding available
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is delivering on its promise to expand markets – it’s investing $1 billion in partnerships to support America’s climate-smart farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. The new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities opportunity will finance pilot projects that create market opportunities for U.S. agricultural and forestry products that use climate-smart practices, and include innovative, cost-effective ways to measure and verify greenhouse-gas benefits.
Climate-smart funding available
• implement climate-smart production practices, activities and systems on working lands • measure or quantify, monitor and verify the carbon and greenhouse-gas benefits associated with those practices • develop markets and promote the resulting climate-smart commodities A range of public and private entities may apply.
Ag Trade: Vilsack, Buttigieg Demand Shipper Action - DTN
Photo: U.S. Grains Council A pair of Cabinet secretaries have written to the world’s largest ocean carriers to demand they treat U.S. agricultural exports fairly at West Coast ports and “restore reciprocal treatment of imports and exports that is inherent in trade.” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg wrote the presidents and executives of a dozen major global shipping lines to relieve the supply chains and consider options of other ports beyond the...
2022 NACo Legislative Conference
Register Today for the 2022 NACo Legislative Conference The National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference brings together nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county officials to focus on federal policy issues that impact counties and our residents. Attendees have the opportunity to engage in second-to-none policy and educational sessions, interact with federal officials and participate in congressional briefings and meetings.
Opinion | Biden’s Tax Changes Won’t Hurt Family Farmers
President Biden is working with Congress to secure investments for programs like paid leave and an expanded child tax credit. One of the ways he has proposed to pay for these programs is through changing the way capital gains are taxed. These reforms aren’t just about raising money, they are about fundamentally reforming the tax system to ensure the wealthy pay their fair share. President Biden has proposed changing the way property is taxed when it is passed on to heirs.
USTR Request for USMCA Dispute Settlement Panel on Canada Dairy Tariff-Rate Quota Administration
Tom Vilsack Published 9:01 a.m. ET June 2, 2021 The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative made a request to initiate a dispute settlement panel under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to challenge Canada’s allocation of dairy tariff-rate quotas (TRQs). This is an important step for American agriculture, and one that brings the U.S. dairy sector closer to realizing the full benefits of the USMCA.
Debt Relief for Black Farmers Is Major Civil Rights Victory
Tom Vilsack, Des Moines Register May 26, 2021 (Riley Bunch/The Daily Times via AP) For Black and minority farmers, the American Rescue Plan could represent one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation in decades. Read Full Article » Show comments Hide Comments
Tom Vilsack: Why debt relief for Black and minority farmers is major civil rights victory
The American Rescue Plan became law two months ago, and already we’ve seen hunger drop more than 40%. The unemployment rate has fallen by more than half thanks to the creation of more than 1.5 million new jobs. Those $1,400 checks have allowed families to pay down debt built up over the pandemic. And federal dollars have brought safe, effective COVID-19 vaccinations to nearly 160 million Americans across the country.
Tom Vilsack: Why debt relief for Black and minority farmers is major civil rights victory
The American Rescue Plan became law two months ago, and already we’ve seen hunger drop more than 40%. The unemployment rate has fallen by more than half thanks to the creation of more than 1.5 million new jobs. Those $1,400 checks have allowed families to pay down debt built up over the pandemic. And federal dollars have brought safe, effective COVID-19 vaccinations to nearly 160 million Americans across the country.
DTN Grain Open: Markets Keep Pushing Higher
©Debra L Ferguson Stock Images Pre-6 a.m. CDT prices, CME Globex: July corn is up 6 3/4 cents, July soybeans are up 9 1/4 cents and July KC wheat is up 6 1/4 cents. CME Globex Recap: Early Friday, Dow Jones futures are trading higher, extending Thursday’s new high with higher trading in Europe with analysts expecting the Labor Department to show an increase of one million jobs in Friday’s nonfarm payrolls report.
DTN Livestock Close: Lean Hogs, Live Cattle See Modest Support
Heading into Friday’s trade and rounding out the week, the feeder cattle contracts are hopeful that the corn market might be idle so they won’t have to endure stark losses once again. GENERAL COMMENTS: It was a relatively quiet day for the livestock complex with both the lean hog and live cattle contracts seeing modest support carry the contracts higher into the day’s close, while the feeder cattle complex continued to sway lower as corn prices kept rallying.
DTN Cotton Close: Market Ends on Strong Note
The cotton market was sharply higher Thursday, driven by a host of fundamental and technical positives. Initially, the market saw a marketing-year-high shipment number, which simply means the available amount of physical cotton in the U.S. is becoming greatly reduced. Another strength was the surging corn and bean markets.
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