Salt Lake celebrates USDA's 150th anniversary
This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
On May 15, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation creating a Department of Agriculture — an event celebrated 150 years later at the Federal Building in downtown Salt Lake City.
The building's plaza became an expo featuring agriculture and forestry benefits for the farmer and the public provided by various USDA agencies.
A new tractor next to antique tractors demonstrated efficiencies farmers and ranchers have today, while producing the nation's food and fiber. USDA programs are geared to support the agricultural economy, strengthen rural communities by providing loans and loan guarantees, conserve natural resources and provide a safe food supply.