Some congressional ag leaders say they were caught off guard by Ag Sec. Rollins’ proposal to reorganize the USDA.
Now, top lawmakers on the Senate Ag Committee are calling for a hearing.
Senate Ag Committee Chair John Boozman says in part, “The best way to serve our agriculture community is by working together, so it’s disappointing USDA didn’t share its plans in advance of this announcement. I will be thoroughly examining the details of the proposal and look forward to learning more from Secretary Rollins and holding a hearing about the reorganization.”
Ranking Member Senator Amy Klobuchar also expressed disappointment, saying in part, “The USDA must come before Congress to explain why it wants to adopt this plan...This half-baked proposal – submitted with no consultation with leading Agricultural Senators – will set us back. We must have an immediate hearing before more damage is done.”
Secretary Rollins has not released an official statement on these calls for a hearing. Shortly after the plan was laid out, she said USDA will “do right” by continuing to serve farmers and ranchers, as well as USDA employees.
Specialty Crops Acreage Reporting Deadline for 2025 is March 13
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In the U.S. and Canada, reduced planted acres—not yield losses—led to a decline in potato production, while Mexico saw modest gains due to increased yields and harvested areas.
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AFBF Economist Samantha Ayoub discusses the latest data on Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings and what the troubling trend signals for the farm economy. At the same time, bigger loans and higher rates are squeezing working capital and increasing financial risk.
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The USDA says the framework is about “ending abusive government overreach” and “protecting farmers, families, and private property.”
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Farm numbers still favor small operations, but production, resilience, and risk management are increasingly concentrated among fewer, larger farms.
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The USDA opened a new sterile fly-dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in South Texas to prevent a potential outbreak of New World screwworm and protect the small U.S. cattle herd.
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