Tomorrow, May 15, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will celebrate 150 years of work on behalf of agriculture, rural America and people throughout the country and world. In anticipation of tomorrow's activities, the 30th Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, sat down today for the May edition of our monthly Virtual Office Hours on Twitter to answer questions about USDA's rich history as well as issues that face the Department today.
During the 45 minute chat, questions poured in for Secretary Vilsack across all issues and subject matters, and with each response, helped us to tell the story of the importance of USDA throughout history, and to paint a picture of the breadth of USDA’s vast portfolio. Our continued work on food, agriculture, economic development, science, natural resource conservation and many other issues will ensure USDA still fulfills Lincoln's vision - touching the lives of every American, every day.
As we reflect on the last century and a half, it’s amazing to think how in just a few short years, the web and social media have, and will continue to, change the landscape of our dialogue; breaking down walls and helping us open our doors to all who are interested.
And in that vein, USDA will be live broadcasting tomorrow’s celebration on our website! Join Secretary Vilsack and MSNBC Morning Joe's Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzenzinski to kick off the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Also joining the event will be conservationist Chuck Leavell, longtime keyboardist of the Rolling Stones and founder of Mother Nature Network; Art Monk, NFL Hall of Fame Wide Receiver; and LaVar Arrington, three time NFL Pro Bowl Linebacker. To watch the celebration live beginning at 10:30 a.m. ET, please visit www.usda.gov/live.
Tune in next month for the third installment of USDA’s Virtual Office Hours, and until then, Happy Birthday USDA. Here's to 150 more.
For more information on the 150th anniversary celebration, please visit www.usda.gov/usda150. Additional information on USDA's work to strengthen the American economy can be found at www.usda.gov/results.