USDA nominees get confirmation hearing
Senate Agriculture Chairman Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said he will try to shepherd the nominations through the chamber before Congress leaves this week for recess.
USDA secretary favors strong link between performance measures and goals
Tom Vilsack cites technology and personnel as critical to good government management.
Vilsack says USDA must sharpen focus on civil rights
Department will hire a consulting firm to work with agency offices to make sure procedures are fair to minorities and women.
First lady touts green initiatives in USDA visit
Michelle Obama also recognizes employees who have served more than 30 years in government.
Vilsack: U.S. should have single food inspection agency
Agriculture chief says centralization is necessary because food safety is both a human health and market issue.
Speculation swirls around candidates for USDA posts
Agriculture chief says he will take his time in filling the positions.
Holidays give no rest for administration job-seekers
Obama wants lower-level officials in place as early as possible after Jan. 20.
Colorado Democrat says he's under consideration for USDA
If nominated and confirmed, Rep. John Salazar would be the first Hispanic Agriculture secretary.
Former civil servant might head Obama USDA transition team
Carole Jett retired earlier this year after a 33-year career at Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service.
USDA's chief economist to leave post in January
Keith Collins, a 32-year career federal employee, has served in the position since 1992.
Acting USDA chief to return to deputy spot
Chuck Conner says he will work with Bush’s nominee to head the department; some are surprised Conner did not get the nomination himself.
Bush nominates former North Dakota governor as Agriculture secretary
Edward Schafer will replace Mike Johanns, who resigned last month to launch a Senate bid.
Acting USDA chief sees 'seamless transition'
Chuck Conner says that as deputy secretary, he was already involved in decision-making and discussions over the farm bill.
Panel votes to return inspectors to Agriculture Department
Bush administration adamantly opposes proposal to take inspectors out of Homeland Security Department.
Panel grills head of food safety agency on bonuses
Lawmakers ask why the agency was able to give senior executives bonuses last year despite running short of money and cutting some activities.
USDA to seek extra money to fix computer glitch
System to register acreage and sign up for subsidies and disaster aid goes "dark" during parts of the day.
USDA may face probe of relationship with Aussie wheat firm
Report concludes that AWB Ltd., Australia's wheat monopoly, engaged in a kickback scheme with the Iraqi government of Saddam Hussein.
USDA to overhaul office advancing U.S. ag interests abroad
Administrator cites understaffing in the sciences and says he would like to hire 60 employees.
House approves $18.4 billion Agriculture spending bill
Measure exceeds Bush’s discretionary spending request by $564 million, blocks national animal ID program until concerns are addressed.
Farm groups prepare to jump into Senate immigration fray
Groups urge provisions for guestworkers and illegal aliens who have been living in the United States for years.
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