Agriculture Department In Denial

The Agriculture Department moved quickly to reassure ranchers: Meatless Monday was not their idea. A newsletter tid-bit on the department's internal website posted earlier this week may have led staff to think otherwise by encouraging employees to skip meat on Mondays. The newsletter cited data showing animal agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gases. The agency said the statement was posted without proper clearance. The USDA removed the item after the National Cattlemen's Beef Association complained, questioning the USDA's commitment to farmers and ranchers.