 Pumpkins are native to North America. However, the word "pumpkin" has roots in Greece; "pepon" means large melon in Greek. The United States produces 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins per year, with Illinois producing more than any other state. Pumpkins are a member of the gourd family, which includes cucumbers, honeydew melons, cantaloupe, watermelons and zucchini.
The AMS Grants Division is on the road again!
by Transportation & Marketing Program Staff
Photo: Melissa Nicks meets some hardworking bees during her visit at the Auburn University Bee Laboratory
Melissa Nicks, an AMS Grants Management Specialist (GMS), attended the 2022 Communication Officers of the State Department of Agriculture (COSDA) Annual Meeting Oct. 2-7, in Montgomery, AL. The COSDA Annual Meeting invited agricultural communicators from across the country to come together for professional development, federal program updates, agribusiness tours and panel discussions on agriculture issues. While there, Melissa participated in 1-on-1 curbside consulting on AMS grants and resources and engaged with local agriculture practitioners. The main takeaway from the meeting was that the communications officers appreciated the individualized communication plans and press releases specific to their states when announcing federal award funds.
Melissa also conducted a Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) site visit for the Alabama State Department of Agriculture and Industries. She was able to visit two FY21 subrecipient projects: the Auburn University Bee Laboratory and a Blueberry Research project at the Auburn University Plant Science Research Center. Melissa had the unique opportunity of attending the award ceremony for the new FY22 subrecipients. Overall, the site visit was a great opportunity to provide technical assistance to our state contacts in Alabama, and the project subrecipients were very appreciative of the SCBGP funding and the insight provided on the program.
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Face of Change
Donating time or funds to your favorite causes has never been easier. Please join fellow team members and click on the link below to begin your giving this year. As the “Face of Change,” time is truly money. You may choose to donate volunteer hours and dig right into your favorite causes!
Here are some reasons to pledge through the CFC each year:
- You can give through payroll deduction. Designate recurring gifts from each paycheck for a greater impact over time.
- You can give to multiple, vetted charities. You can make charitable donations and pledge volunteer hours in one place.
- Your gifts have collective impact. The world is a better place when changemakers give to these causes.
Upcoming AMS CFC Events
Look for your CFC team and charity representatives at the USDA Farmers Market on Friday, October 28. More information coming soon.
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Cause of the Week, Oct 24, 2022: Arts & Humanities
Libraries; Social Sciences / Cultural Studies; Preservation (Historical, Landmark, Cultural); Media (Public Broadcasting); Museums (Art, History, Children’s); Performing Arts; International Exchange
Throughout history, humans have explored our identity through our creative pursuits: film, painting, dance, poetry, music, literature, sculpture, photography, and more. The arts help communities understand their own history and preserve their culture for future generations.
Arts and humanities broaden our experience and enrich our lives. Studying arts and humanities teaches young people to think creatively and critically, preparing them to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
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 This Week at the USDA Market: Oct. 21, 2022
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Get VegU-cated - VegU is the market's fruit and vegetable education program that teaches shoppers how to grow, pick, prepare, and store different fruits and vegetables. Visit the VegU tent for a 10-minute class, from 11:30 a.m. through 1 p.m., to learn fun and easy ways to enjoy this week's featured produce: brussels sprouts.
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Kid’s Corner - The Produce Pals tent will feature pear-themed activities. After enjoying the arts and crafts, be sure to stop by the child size farmers market stand to pretend to buy and sell produce. Before you go, don't forget to check out our games to win produce themed prizes!
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What's New - This Friday, October 21, is National Apple Day! Take some time to enjoy all of your favorite types of apples and all the delicious ways you can prepare them (from apple pie to apple sauce and everything in-between). This National Apple Day, be sure to stop by the USDA Farmers Market to pick up some apples from your favorite vendor and join the celebration!
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Musical Guest - Join us this Friday for a performance from Acoustic Duo Gerard West & Sasha Benning. Their acoustic set is loaded with some awesome beats and bass and offers soaring vocals and lots of delicious harmonies. Their customizable acoustic music will be sure to spice up this week's Farmers Market, so don't miss it!
Did you know you can...
Did you know that you can reserve tables at the USDA Farmers Market for your program, division, team, or working group any Friday during the season? The market will be open through October 28 and will offer an array of food items. Timber Pizza will be returning, as well as DMV Empanadas, Bun’d Up, and many others. There will also be new food vendors like El Piquin with authentic Mexican food and Arielle Oyster Company with freshly prepared seafood! You are welcome to bring picnic blankets, tables, chairs, and lawn games! You can plan team-building activities or just socialize.
Contact Daniel Wueste at daniel.wueste@usda.gov for a list of available dates and to reserve the tables.
Future of Work Survey (Oct. 20 - Nov. 1)
Help us make USDA the Best Place to Work
At U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) we know that our employees are our greatest assets. In order to make USDA the Best Place to Work, we must continue to listen to and engage with employees and act on feedback and ideas received. We value you and your work and welcome your views on ways to make USDA a model employer. In addition to the Federal Viewpoint Survey, the insights you provided when 54% of you took the 2021 Telework Survey were valuable and allowed us to inform policies to better reflect the current landscape, experiences and needs of employees. Last year, you shared your views and we listened and that resulted in expanded flexibilities for remote and telework, more guidance on strategies and activities as we navigated our return to the physical workplace, and additional tools and resources such as a Future of Work Toolkit and a supervisory guidebook to support a successful hybrid workplace.
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Feds Feed Families Totals and Thank you
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Thank You for Your Generosity
Through your acts and deeds, you demonstrate a deep commitment to tackling food and nutrition insecurity across the country. This enthusiasm for helping others has been on full display during our 2022 Feds Feed Families program, which encourages all federal employees to donate food, service, and time to food banks across the United States.
This year’s theme was “Fighting Hunger, Giving Hope.” And you did just that. In its 13th year, the Feds Feed Families program has exceeded prior year contributions thanks to your generosity. This year, the program has amassed more than 7.7 million pounds of food. USDA was directly responsible for 382,800 pounds, the third highest total by federal department.
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USDA TARGET Center 2022 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Symposium
Beginning Monday, October 17, 2022, through Friday, November 11, 2022, please join the USDA TARGET Center as we host our 2022 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Symposium to celebrate the many and varied contributions of employees with disabilities and affirm our commitment to dismantling barriers to access and inclusion in the workplace.
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Recap of Secretary Vilsack’s Oct. 14 Expanding the Equity and Inclusion Conversation DEIA Town Hall
Thank you to those of you who were able to participate in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility All-Employee Town Hall on Oct. 14. We were honored to hear from Ambassador Susan Rice, Director, Domestic Policy Council as she shared President Biden’s goals and purposeful actions for a federal government that eliminates racial inequities and serves all citizens and customers with a federal workforce that fully represents the people we serve. Her messages made it clear that a diverse, representative workforce is imperative to successful public service and to tackling the myriad challenges faced by our nation.
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First-Ever Federal Interagency Military Spouse Career Expo is in the Books
On Wednesday, October 12, 2022, the Military Spouse Association (MSA) held the first-ever Federal Interagency Military Spouse Career Expo. This virtual event drew nearly 2,000 registrants from locations across the United States, 15 countries, and dozens of overseas APO locations around the world. MSA co-founders President Christine Tomkus (Rural Development) and MSA Vice-President Bridget Dea (APHIS) led an all-volunteer effort involving personnel from multiple USDA programs including AMS, APHIS, Forest Service, and the Office of Communications to develop, plan, and implement the six-hour event.
The 15 federal agencies who participated in the event included the Armed Forces Wellness Centers; Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, State, and Veterans Affairs; Federal Emergency Management Agency; Navy Exchange Service Command; U.S. Agency for International Development; and the Office of Personnel Management. Presentations included “Non-Competitive Appointment of Military Spouses,” “Resume Writing,” and “The DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Program.” DoD Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program (SECO) career coaches were available to conduct live federal resume reviews.
Attendees virtually networked directly with human resource representatives and personnel from each of the federal agencies, developing insight and guidance into the federal hiring process, accessing federal vacancy details, and collecting contact information from representatives to follow up. Special thanks to Christine Tomkus, Bridget Dea and Rene Carranza of AMS Public Affairs for spearheading this volunteer effort!
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Reminder on the Use of Administrative Leave for COVID-19
On October 6, 2022, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) reminded all Federal agencies that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging all Americans to get the updated COVID-19 vaccination. We are asked to continue supporting the Administration’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts through the granting of administrative leave for COVID-19 vaccinations, boosters, and adverse reactions. The following guidance contains highlights from the attached OPM notice (CPM 2022-15).
This leave policy covers the new, updated COVID-19 vaccine as well.
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Federal Benefits Open Season - Coming Soon
The Federal Benefits Open Season for the 2023 plan year for health insurance under the FEHB Program, dental and vision insurance under FEDVIP and flexible spending accounts under FSAFEDS will be held from November 14 through December 12, 2022. Federal Benefits Open Season gives Federal employees and other eligible individuals the opportunity to review their plans, make changes, and enroll in one of 271 FEHB plan choices for 2023. During this time, annuitants can also re-evaluate their plans and decide if they have optimal coverage.
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AMS Career Path Survey (ends Oct. 30)
Please take a few minutes to complete the Career Path survey found at the link below or by using the QR code. Your responses will be used to develop and enhance tools and necessary trainings in preparing for promotions within AMS. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete.
For training on utilizing the QR code to access the survey via your smartphone, please click the link below:
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CDC Guidance and Weekly Covid Update
USDA is encouraging all employees to follow CDC guidance and Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters | CDC that protect against the new most prevalent variants. USDA employees are eligible for up to 4 hours of administrative leave to receive the booster, and to assist family members to receive it. Employees may also receive up to 2 days of administrative leave if there are any adverse effects from the vaccine. It is currently available:
- to everyone over 12 years of age who completed the primary vaccine series, and;
- for those at least 2 months past their previous dose or 3 months past a COVID infection;
- through local health departments, clinics and many pharmacies.
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Cultivating Contentment for Improved Mental Health
Better mental health is linked to contentment and life satisfaction. While we can’t be completely content all the time, we can make it a goal and take conscious steps toward it. Join us to explore how contentment can positively affect your well-being and get tips and resources for cultivating more of it each day.
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
1:00–2:00pm ET | Register Here*
*PLEASE NOTE: While registration is required to attend, it does not guarantee entry. We recommend joining early, as space is limited and access is granted on a first arrived, first admitted basis, regardless of how far in advance you register.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary and confidential employee benefit available to eligible federal employees at no cost.
24 HOURS A DAY
800-222-0364
TTY: 888-262-7848
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FY 2023 MRP Training and Development Calendar
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As AMS employees sign their new FY2023 performance plans and develop new Individual Development Plans (IDPs), it’s a good time to think about professional development and the types of trainings that may help you reach your personal and professional goals.
The APHIS Center for Training and Development (CTOD) offers a variety of free training to AMS and APHIS employees, and they recently released their FY2023 training calendar, including opportunities available now through August 2023. Each course has a direct link to AgLearn. Explore the calendar by:
- A month by month view throughout the upcoming Fiscal Year.
- Sorting the calendar offerings by title, description, and learning category
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We encourage you to discuss training opportunities and availability with your supervisor. If you have any questions about these training opportunities, please contact BJ Whetstine (william.whetstine@usda.gov).
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Data Call: USDA Veterans Day
 Your assistance is being requested with preparation for Veterans Day. OASCR is planning the USDA Veterans Day Observance schedule for Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at 1pm.
Agency’s may use the following link for early Registration.
Every year the federal government celebrates Veterans Day. It is a time to honor those who selflessly devoted their time to protect the freedoms of others. It’s an opportunity to pay respect and let those who have made many sacrifices know that it has not gone unnoticed.
Please review the Data Calls below and provide your responses by the respective deadlines. This information will be used for White House reports, Sub-Cabinet meetings, executive planning with OSEC, OneUSDA distributions and social media content by OC, Civil Rights App, and virtual learning opportunities in AgLearn.
USDA Veterans Day Events Calendar (Submit Here)
- Due Friday, October 28, 2022.
- USDA-Wide Events.
Request for Social Media Content for Veterans Day
- Due Friday, October 28, 2022.
- Open to All USDA Employees and Locations.
- Up to 3 Nominations per Agency.
Request for Agency Accomplishments in Observance of Veterans Day
- Due Friday, October 28, 2022.
- 1-3 Accomplishments per Agency.
Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service (FMCS) to Celebrate 75th Anniversary During Conflict Resolution Week
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Conflict Resolution Week is a week-long celebration to be held Oct. 17-21 and centered around Conflict Resolution Day: a national event observed annually on the third Thursday of October. It is recognized this year on Oct 20.
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Intimate Partner Violence and Workplace Considerations
 This event will discuss Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and workplace considerations when faced with IPV situations. Subject matter experts will discuss topics employees and supervisors may not have thought about and offer multiple helping and intervention strategies designed to assist individuals in becoming trauma informed employees and employers.
October 31, 2022, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm MT
For more information contact:
Elizabeth Edwards, OEC Dallas
elizabeth.edwards@eeoc.gov
Join the Toastmasters Open House
Training: Calling all Supervisors!
The APHIS Center for Training and Organization Development offers development opportunities that address our hybrid workforce and refine supervisory and leadership approaches. These courses can also help you develop a peer network of supervisors and managers across USDA. Click the links below to learn more and sign up.
Essential Supervisory Information Sessions (ESIS) is a great resource for supervisors to gain focused insight and training on a multitude of topics in convenient 2-hour webinars.
Recognizing & Rewarding Employees
November 8, 2022; 2:00pm – 4:00pm ET Sign-up/Enroll
Managing from a Distance
December 13, 2022; 2:00pm – 4:00pm ET Sign-up/Enroll
Experienced Supervisor Applied Workshop is a 5-day, virtual workshop, designed to engage supervisors in activities, discussions, and peer learning to analyze, plan for, and practice addressing your supervisory challenges. This workshop addresses 4 training topic areas mandated by USDA:
- Mentor employees
- Improve employee performance and productivity
- Conduct employee performance appraisals
- Identify & assist employees with unacceptable performance
This experiential workshop will help you develop self-awareness through peer feedback, and practical, interactive application. Full attendance and active participation in this 5-day workshop fully satisfies the USDA requirement for ongoing supervisory training every 3 years.
There are 4 upcoming offerings of the workshop in FY23. Registration is waitlisted pending confirmation of eligibility requirements. (1. Must be a current supervisor in APHIS, AMS or FAS; 2. Began as a USDA supervisor at least 2 years prior to workshop date; 3. 360 Assessment completed within 3 years of workshop date.)
Virtual Offerings:
- November 28- December 2, 2022; 10:00am - 5:00pm ET Sign-up/Enroll
- June 5-9, 2023; 10:00am - 5:00pm ET Sign-up/Enroll
In-person Offerings: (May be converted to virtual offerings based on travel and gathering restrictions.)
- March 27-31, 2023; 8:00am - 5:00pm ET, Riverdale, MD Sign-up/Enroll
- August 21-25, 2023; 8:00am - 5:00pm ET, Fort Collins, CO Sign-up/Enroll
If you have any questions, please contact Leon White at leon.white@usda.gov.
Submissions for The Voice are due by C.O.B. Monday in order to publish the same week. All submissions should be sent to AMSVOICE@usda.gov for consideration.
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