Kevin Shea

Last week, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced he was nominating Xochitl Torres Small for the Ag department deputy secretary position that will soon be vacated.   “Under Secretary Torres Small who is currently operating our Rural Development missionary has done a terrific job of communicating the mission of Rural Development and understands and appreciates the important role that Department of Agri

While much has been accomplished in its 50 years of existence, the Administrator of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Kevin Shea, said efforts to prevent and control pest and disease threats will never really end. For instance, he pointed to efforts to keep African Swine Fever out of our country ...

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is celebrating a major milestone; 50 years of serving the public as a federal agency. USDA created APHIS on April 2, 1972, to consolidate animal health, plant health, and inspection duties under one roof. The ...

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wednesday announced the final Strategic Framework outlining how the Agency will advance surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. USDA says early detection and response to pathogens with zoonotic potential while still in animals is essential in limiting or preventing human outbreaks. Addi ...

On Wednesday, the USDA reminded farmers and ranchers of programs to assist them through the current winter storms. Acting Agriculture Secretary Kevin Shea said, “USDA is committed to getting help to producers and rural Americans impacted by the severe.” ...

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture this week asked the USDA for more flexibility in the use of Specialty Crop Block Grants. Specifically, NASDA seeks additional flexibility in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 to enhance their responses to the continued demands COVID-19 places on the industry ...

The Senate Agriculture Committee has scheduled the confirmation hearing for Agriculture Secretary nominee Tom Vilsack. The committee will meet Tuesday, February 2. Vilsack is expected to enjoy a smooth confirmation process overall. Vilsack previously served as Ag Secretary for all eight years of the Obama administration before heading up the U ...

President Joe Biden designated acting leaders to federal agencies to oversee the government until his political appointments are confirmed upon taking office. Biden assigned Kevin Shea as the acting Agriculture Secretary. Shea will assume the duties until the Senate confirms Biden’s pick, Tom Vilsack, for the top post at USDA. Shea ...