The House spending plan for USDA’s budget next year has moved forward. In a late evening subcommittee hearing, lawmakers moved along a plan that makes several steep cuts to the White House proposal.
The GOP plan would cut around 9 percent from the White House proposal for USDA and FDA spending, which comes out to around $2.7 billion in cuts. The plan calls for $26 billion in spending and targets areas like SNAP, equity, and climate.
Subcommittee leader Representative Andy Harris says it is time lawmakers get serious about taxpayer dollars.
“This subcommittee will not prioritize climate change, equity, or green initiatives over mission-critical services to our farmers. As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we have an obligation to scrutinize mandatory funding when it goes beyond what Congress has authorized and intended. The USDA has consistently sought to expand eligibility, loosen work requirements, and increase benefits.”
While the bill takes aim at areas like SNAP and climate, it does boost spending for ag research, protein sectors, and infrastructure like broadband. Foreign ag ownership, which has been a large topic of discussion, is also addressed. Lawmakers want to make sure NASS has the necessary money to reinstate the July cattle inventory report.
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
January 23, 2026 03:39 PM
·
Nearly everyone in the South Texas ag community appears extremely worried about the potential of a New World screwworm epidemic, according to a local veterinarian. RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports.
January 23, 2026 11:56 AM
·
Rural population growth and stabilizing economic indicators point to post-pandemic recovery, but uneven income, shifting industries, and regional divides remain key challenges for rural communities.
January 23, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Decoupled base acres may amplify income inequality and distort planting decisions as farm program payments increase.
January 22, 2026 12:56 PM
·
Corn and wheat exports remain a demand bright spot, while soybeans are transitioning into a more typical late-winter shipping slowdown.
January 21, 2026 10:36 AM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
