A House Ag ranking member says that farmers in her home state of Minnesota claim that Farm Service Agency officers are way understaffed.
More than 1,000 FSA staffers reportedly took the government buyout option.
Congresswoman Angie Craig explains what farmers are telling her.
“I had a group in my office yesterday telling me there’s literally half a PTO, half a person, half-time at one of those offices. I think when farmers are coming through my office and telling me they can’t get the work done at their local community level, I think that the cuts have gone through the bone.”
FSA offices play a key role in providing technical help to farmers serving loans.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says that she has signed a memorandum to ensure they are fully staffed, including rehiring some officers who were let go.
Congresswoman Craig argues the administration is moving too fast to downsize the government.
“If you’re going to support family farmers, you’ve got to support them with good policy. You’ve got to support them with technical assistance. You need to keep these local offices open, and look, this is what happens when you don’t measure twice and cut once.”
Some 15,000 USDA employees have accepted deferred resignations, all part of the Trump administration’s plan to downsize and reform government agencies.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding discusses the recent surge in bird flu cases, the state’s expanded biosecurity response and efforts to support poultry producers.
March 03, 2026 12:16 PM
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Geopolitical risk is rapidly increasing fertilizer price volatility before planting.
March 03, 2026 11:20 AM
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Kurt Kovarik of Clean Fuels Alliance America joined us to break down the latest developments in the Renewable Fuel Standard rulemaking process and what it could mean for agriculture, energy markets, and rural economies.
March 02, 2026 02:25 PM
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Jennifer Tirey of the Illinois Pork Producers Association joined us to discuss efforts to bring pork back into Chicago Public Schools, the nutritional benefits for students, and what the decision could mean for pork producers across the state.
March 02, 2026 02:23 PM
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Farmer and retired colonial Joe Ricker joined us to highlight Ag Safety Awareness Program Week, share his work supporting veterans and farmers, and offer guidance on making safety a year-round priority on the farm.
March 02, 2026 02:22 PM
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Dry conditions may tighten hay supplies before summer growth. John Mays of Central Life Sciences joined us to discuss the risks of extended grain storage, how quality can be affected over time, and what growers can do to protect their grain while waiting for market opportunities.
March 02, 2026 02:21 PM
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