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The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA proposes to classify the State of Sonora, Mexico, as Level 1 for brucellosis. This proposal is based on their evaluation of Sonora for bovine brucellosis classification. APHIS is seeking public comments on this proposal until April 26, 2021, and the evaluation and related documents can be accessed online or in their reading room. After the comment period ends, APHIS will announce their final decision regarding the classification.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the USDA plans to reinstate an information collection for the National Animal Health Monitoring System's Equine 2026 Study as per the Paperwork Reduction Act. This study aims to collect data on equine health, biosecurity, veterinary services, at-risk equids, and emergency preparedness. The study will be conducted in two phases, with Phase I focusing on interviews with equine owners and Phase II involving equine events across 30 states. The agency is seeking public comments on the necessity and burden of this information collection.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) plans to revise and extend the Vegetable Surveys Program in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This update may alter the burden hours due to changes in population size or survey design. The information collected helps the USDA and others make informed production and marketing decisions for vegetables. The public is invited to comment on the necessity and practicality of these data collections by February 24, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced new income eligibility guidelines for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), effective from July 1, 2025. These guidelines will help State agencies determine if someone can get help from WIC by comparing their family's income to federal poverty levels. The guidelines are updated every year and are linked to the standards set for reduced-price school meals. The notice includes tables with income limits for different areas, such as Alaska, Hawaii, and the 48 contiguous States.

The Rural Utilities Service, a part of the USDA, is inviting applications for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grants for fiscal year 2025. This program aims to fund projects that enhance education and healthcare services through technology in rural areas, with an estimated $40 million available. Applications must be submitted online by March 6, 2024. The grants require a 15% funding match, and successful projects could receive between $50,000 to $1,000,000, provided they meet certain eligibility and criteria.

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the USDA has issued a final rule for the Rural eConnectivity Program, which aims to improve broadband access in rural areas through loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations. The program outlines eligibility criteria, application processes, and funding requirements. RUS is also seeking comments on aspects of this rule to refine future implementations. The program is designed to support rural infrastructure development and economic opportunities by providing reliable high-speed internet to underserved areas.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the USDA has released a final supplemental environmental assessment and found no significant environmental impact in their response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in U.S. migratory bird flyways. This assessment updates an earlier one from September 2022 that only covered initial outbreaks in seven states. Since then, the virus has affected approximately 110 million birds across 49 states. Public comments, which raised concerns about consultation with other agencies and environmental effects, were considered, and the final documents reflect responses to those concerns.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Tribal Relations is hosting a virtual meeting for the Tribal Advisory Committee on February 18, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The committee, which is part of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, advises the USDA on Tribal and Indian affairs. Public comments are invited and can be submitted until February 17, 2025, or shared during the meeting. Additional information and registration details can be found on the USDA's website.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to seek approval to extend a currently approved information collection known as the Agritourism Directory. This directory helps small and medium-sized farmers enhance market access by listing working farms, ranches, and related operations that provide recreational and educational opportunities. The information gathered will be used to update the USDA's National Local Food Directories, which connect consumers and wholesale buyers with local food sources. Comments on the notice are invited and must be received by March 24, 2025.

The Food and Nutrition Service of the USDA announced in a notice the types of foods that will be available through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) for Fiscal Year 2021. The notice details both surplus foods, which include items like dairy, grains, meats, and fruits, and purchased foods, supported by various legislative acts and additional funding due to COVID-19 impacts. These foods are distributed to states for helping individuals in need, with allocations based on factors like poverty and unemployment rates. The availability of specific foods can change due to agricultural market conditions.