State Agriculture Secretary Charles Bronson and other opponents of a federal plan to decrease the pollution of Florida's rivers, lakes and bays say the restrictions would generate billions of dollars of costs for businesses and local governments. ...more

December 3, 2009

As Barack Obama ponders whom to pick as agriculture secretary, he should reframe the question. What he needs is actually a bold reformer in a position renamed "secretary of food." ...more

December 14, 2008

Consumers may be told if their local grocery store got tainted meat during a recall under a new policy announced Friday by the Agriculture Department. ...more

July 12, 2008

Under pressure from farmers, livestock producers and soaring food prices, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is weighing a proposal that could lead to the plowing of millions of acres of land that had been set aside for conservation. ...more

July 11, 2008

Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer on Tuesday announced a total ban on the slaughter at meat plants of cows too sick or weak to stand. ...more

May 21, 2008

Married farmers with joint incomes of up to $1.5 million a year could still qualify for crop subsidies under a five-year, $300 billion farm bill compromise that would boost the Agriculture Department's food and farm programs. ...more

May 9, 2008

Pennsylvania is stopping dairies from stamping milk containers with hormone-free labels in a precedent-setting decision being closely watched by the industry. ...more

November 14, 2007

Republican Sam Brownback abandoned his 2008 presidential bid Friday, his White House aspirations dashed by a lack of support and money. ...more

October 20, 2007

Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel plans to retire and has decided not to run for president next year, according to media reports Saturday. ...more

September 9, 2007