More Rural Broadband Development

Chuck Zimmerman

USDA Rural DevelopmentHere’s an example of what USDA is doing to help improve rural broadband internet access. The Rural Development Broadband Access Loan program is providing the funds. USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development, Tom Dorr had this to say. “Broadband can help to put rural communities on a level playing field when competing with bigger cities for new residents and businesses,” said Dorr. “When people can live in smaller communities that have a higher quality of life and still compete globally, that presents a great opportunity for rural America.”

Internet, USDA

MyPyramid Website Rocks Along

Chuck Zimmerman

MyPyramidLast week was the one year anniversary for the USDA MyPyramid food guidance system. Apparently the website has received a huge amount of traffic making it “one of the most popular federal websites ever.”

Audio, Food, USDA

Speech By Sec. of Ag Mike Johanns

Chuck Zimmerman

Secretary of Agriculture Mike JohannsOur U. S. Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns, was on the program early today here at the Cattle Industry Convention. He spoke for about 25 minutes before taking some questions from the floor.

Audio, Cattle Industry Conference, USDA

Those High Priced Veggies Causing Problems

Chuck Zimmerman

USDA ERS Report“You have got to be kidding me.” That’s the first thing that came to mind when I saw the tease for a new report by USDA’s Economic Research Service titled, “Metropolitan Area Food Prices and Children’s Weight Gain.” Basically it was conducted to see if there’s a link between high priced fruits and vegetables and fat kids. Let’s get rid of the term “overweight” please.

USDA

New Board Members Pop Up

Chuck Zimmerman

Double Chocolate Popcorn BallYes, I’ve been wanting to get out and play golf. Especially if I can have a double chocolate popcorn ball. I don’t think you’re supposed to tee these off though. The Popcorn Board wants you to make and eat them.

Ag Groups, USDA