National Program 101: Food Animal Production

FY2013-FY2018

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the intramural research agency for the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and one of four agencies that make up USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics mission area. ARS’ budget is allocated to research conducted in 22 National Program areas at 108 laboratories by approximately 2,200 full-time scientists within a total workforce of approximately 8,000 employees. ARS National Program #101 (NP 101) addresses animal production and involves research conducted at 20 U.S. locations by 102 full-time scientists, with an appropriated budget of approximately $46.5 million per annum.

ARS has the national capability and demonstrated performance to lead food animal research and technology development to enhance the sustainable and economically viable production of food animal products in the United States. ARS and its partners conduct a food animal research program that has contributed significantly to national growth and global competitiveness of the U.S. production industries. A strong USDA commitment to food animal production research, technology development, and technology transfer through ARS and the National Institute for Food and Agriculture, in cooperation with university and private research programs and linked to State and regional agricultural extension programs, is critical to energizing industry development, improving production efficiency, and ensuring quality and wholesomeness of food animal products.

To read the entire Action Plan (pdf; 0.9Mb): FY 2013 - FY 2018 Action Plan