Farm Action wants DOGE to investigate checkoff program fraud

Farm Action is calling on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to investigate what they call fraud within the checkoff programs.

In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Elon Musk, Farm Action says checkoff programs lack transparency and oversight and cost farmers more than a billion dollars annually. They say more than 60 farm groups have called for some checkoff reform over the years.

Since taking office, President Donald Trump has directed cuts across the government, with more possible in the coming weeks. DOGE is asking the public to help identify areas for investigation, including agencies within the USDA.

Related Stories
Cattle-on-Feed is down on the year in the USDA’s April report, with lower placements and marketings signaling tighter feedlot activity.
As data centers expand across Texas, experts and officials weigh economic benefits against concerns over farmland loss, water use, and impacts on agricultural land and rural communities.
Groundbreaking Marks Next Major Milestone in Strengthening U.S. New World Screwworm Preparedness
The 91st anniversary of Black Sunday highlights how the Dust Bowl disaster led to modern soil conservation programs still shaping U.S. agriculture today.
Steven Snow with the U.S. Small Business Administration joined us to discuss tax relief for rural Americans and the long-term benefits of new provisions impacting farmers and small businesses.
As budget hearings continue on Capitol Hill, policymakers focus on long-term solutions to stabilize the fertilizer market to support U.S. farmers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Farmer John Jenkinson shares the latest on planting conditions in Kansas and what producers are facing this season.
Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch discusses the USDA’s request for feedback on data and research, how such requests work, and what farmers should know about submitting comments before the Thursday, April 9 deadline.
Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper explains the growing threat of invasive hornets in his state and what Southeastern growers should watch for this spring.
Shaun Haney with Real Ag Radio joined us to break down the USMCA review and what Canadian producers and exporters should be watching in the months ahead.
USDA Undersecretary Dr. Mindy Brashears provides more insight on the updated “Product of USA” label campaign and the USDA’s goals for both consumers and producers.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us to break down the application process for Stages 1 and 2 of the USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, and what farmers can expect as the deadline approaches.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.