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Statement by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Intent to Nominate Doug McKalip to Serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator

“Doug McKalip is highly qualified and exceptionally capable of serving the American people as Chief Agricultural Negotiator. Having served as a key agriculture policy official for nearly three decades, he has worked on every aspect of farming from soil conservation, and the supply chain to dealing with sensitive trade and national security matters. Through his service, he has represented American farmers around the world and advocated for U.S. agricultural products and technology.

Doug has been a key member of my team throughout my tenure as Secretary of Agriculture and has demonstrated a consistent ability to tackle difficult issues and to develop bi-partisan solutions to challenges when opposing views exist. These skills will serve him well as Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). We will miss having Doug here at USDA, but know that American agriculture and USTR will be well served by having him in this new role. I urge the U.S. Senate to confirm him at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Source : usda.gov

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Preparing Soil for Fruit Trees Before You Plant with Ariel Agenbroad

Video: Preparing Soil for Fruit Trees Before You Plant with Ariel Agenbroad

Preparing soil for fruit trees is one of the most important — and most overlooked — steps before planting. In this episode, I visit Spaulding Ranch in Boise, Idaho, and speak with soil specialist Ariel Agenbroad from the University of Idaho Extension. Together, we explore how to evaluate soil structure, drainage, compaction, and organic matter so your fruit trees can establish strong, healthy roots. If you're planning to plant fruit trees this season, this conversation will help you understand what to look for before you dig.