President Trump’s government worker buyout has those worried about USDA workers

President Donald Trump‘s proposed government worker buyout has some worried about potential losses at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). That proposal is now tied up in court, and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says his office has taken a lot of calls. He says it is ultimately up to the courts.

“We’re getting a lot of calls, maybe last week 400-500 on this whole process. I don’t think that this Boston judge is the final word,” Sen. Grassley said. “I think the Administration is going to appeal a lot of these decisions, and they should appeal them. If they appeal them and win, then we know that the process can go on.”

The Trump Administration says it will appeal that judge’s decision. At last check, over 65,000 federal employees had opted into the buyout.

Related Stories
Eastern Region VP Joey Nowotny of Delaware joins us on FFA Today to talk about his new leadership role and an exciting year ahead for the National FFA Organization.
Cattle imports from Mexico remain stalled amid the New World screwworm outbreak. At the same time, Tyson closures add pressure on Nebraska producers and markets ahead of the USDA’s upcoming Cattle on Feed Report.
Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.
USTR Jamieson Greer signals a narrower trade deal with China, adding more market uncertainty. The Farm Bureau also supports reviewing China’s missed trade commitments under the Phase One.
Water access—not acreage alone—is driving where irrigation expands or contracts.
Reed Marcum started hosting a toy drive in 2015. Since then, he has distributed thousands of toys across his home state of Oklahoma and in Texas and Arkansas. Now serving in the Army, Reed’s family and local 4-H chapter are running the event.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses the status of USDA disaster aid, including delays to Stage 2 of the SDRP program, and what farmers should watch for as lawmakers negotiate an end to the government shutdown.
Taryn Fischels, Product Marketing Manager for Precision Upgrades at John Deere, joins us to share a sneak peek of her chat with FarmHER’s Kirbe Schnoor on the Dirt Diaries podcast.
Sen. Roger Marshall explains which types of beef are imported into the United States, how there’s room for new imports, and logical reasons for current high prices.
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) discusses the USDA’s new cattle plan, ethanol policy, and the broader challenges ahead for rural America.
Jacob Wheeler and Dustin Connell of Team O’Reilly Auto Parts took an early lead and never let go, finishing atop SCORETRACKER® with 64 pounds, 8 ounces on 42 scorable bass.