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.
According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, fire crews remain on alert statewide as Red Flag conditions persist. Officials warn that even contained fires can reignite quickly under current weather conditions.
February 24, 2026 05:46 PM
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Glyphosate and phosphorus are deemed critical to U.S. national defense, ensuring farmers’ access while signaling a shift toward regenerative agriculture. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight on the Trump Administration’s move and what it could mean for U.S. farmers moving forward.
February 24, 2026 01:30 PM
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UNL Extension’s Troy Walz discusses the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, where sessions are held, how producers can get involved, and what ranchers can gain from participating in the program.
February 24, 2026 01:16 PM
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The Ranger Road Fire in the Oklahoma Panhandle is now 65% contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres over the past week. Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance Agency discusses wildfire recovery, livestock insurance considerations, and the importance of preparedness for producers across the Southern Plains.
February 24, 2026 12:28 PM
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Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
February 24, 2026 11:57 AM
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Cotton jassid, a invasive pest, is raising concerns for Southeast cotton growers as experts work to understand its impact this season.
February 24, 2026 09:00 AM
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