The Marshall, Minnesota Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) held an Open House on July 11, 2012 to observe the 150 years of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The event was held at the NRCS Area Office in Marshall with members of the public, local farmers and employees in attendance.

The Open House provided the opportunity for people to view several pictures from the past; view the USDA 150th Anniversary Secretary of Agriculture Video and mingle with old and new acquaintances.

True to his roots as a frontier farm boy, President Abraham Lincoln signed agricultural legislation that expanded and transformed American farming, including such significant reforms as the creation of the USDA, the Homestead Act, and the establishment of the Land Grant agricultural university system. During a three month span in 1862, Lincoln signed these three major pieces of legislation. This legislation has had a profound and lasting impact on U.S. agriculture and our society.

Tom Vilsack serves as the Nation’s 30th Secretary of Agriculture. As USDA’s leader, Vilsack is working hard to strengthen the American agriculture economy, build vibrant rural communities and secure a stronger future for the American middle class.

Interested in learning more about the 150 years of USDA, check out the USDA webpage for more information by visiting http://usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=USDA150

Amanda Smith, Engineer for NRCS in Marshall served as planning chair for the 150th event. Additional questions regarding this event should be directed to Ms. Smith. Smith can be reached via email at: Amanda.smith2@mn.usda.gov

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (Voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).