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Livestock and Seed
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In the 160 years since its creation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has touched the lives of millions of people--both in the United States and abroad. During its early years, USDA was concerned primarily with agricultural production. However, by the early 1900's the Department became increasingly involved in the marketing of farm products. About that time, what is now the Livestock and Seed Program came into existence as the Livestock, Meats, and Wool Program, a part of the Bureau of Markets. In 1922, the Bureau of Markets was combined with another bureau to form the Bureau of Agricultural Economics. In 1939, this bureau was incorporated into the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).

Even though the organizational structure of the Program's parent agency has changed over the years, the Program's primary objective has remained virtually constant: to provide timely, high-quality, and unbiased service to facilitate the orderly marketing and distribution of agricultural commodities while simultaneously fostering goodwill in the global marketplace. This service is maintained through the Program's continual commitment to improve its operating procedures to meet customer needs and to incorporate new research findings and technological advancements.

Like many of its sister programs in AMS, the Livestock and Seed Program provides services that are funded primarily by user fees. Approximately 80 percent of the Program's funds are derived from payments made by users of Program services. Only the remaining 20 percent is appropriated by Congress.

Scope

Although the Livestock and Seed Program is headquartered in Washington, DC, it maintains offices throughout the United States to serve the agricultural community and industry. The Program seeks to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, producers, trade organizations, industry groups, and other Government agencies.

Three major functions performed by the LS Program are (1) the meat grading and certification service; (2) the livestock, meat, and grain market news service; and (3) seed regulatory and testing activities. The Program also performs related services, such as purchasing meat and fish for Federal feeding programs, overseeing research and promotion programs, and developing standards and purchase specifications for livestock and meat products.

We are eager to hear what our customers have to say about our services and their suggestions for change. Our willingness to modify our programs as needed to meet requirements both today and in the future is one of our key missions.

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