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
Dr. Gary Schnitkey from the University of Illinois discusses farmers’ sentiment toward industry consolidation, especially in the fertilizer sector, where costs remain historically high.
To qualify, land must be in the U.S., used substantially for farming in the last 10 years, and restricted from non-farm use for at least 10 years after the sale.
Tennessee’s Agriculture specialty license plate, known as the Ag Tag, is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and state agriculture leaders are giving the public a chance to help shape its next chapter.
The dairy industry is encouraged by potential H-2A reforms while supporting renewal of the USMCA.