WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Wednesday morning, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Farm Security Action Plan (PDF Version).
The agreement formalizes coordination between the two departments to address security concerns affecting U.S. agriculture.
Rollins spoke on the partnership between the USDA and the Department of War during the signing:
“Our very first action to implement the MOU will be through a new partnership between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the USDA’s chief scientist,” Rollins said. “This will allow, first, the sharing of information regarding security vulnerabilities in agriculture. Second, collaboration to develop novel technological solutions to American agriculture’s biggest challenges, and third, the exchange of personnel to ensure both departments are well-equipped to protect American agriculture.”
Rollins also announced that the USDA is creating a new division, the Office of Research, Economic and Science Security, to coordinate research security throughout USDA. Rollins says today’s memorandum would ensure America’s farms, food supply, and research institutes remain secure and resilient.
Watch the joint press conference on YouTube:
We will continue to follow what this agreement means for farmers and ranchers. Stay with RFD NEWS for additional coverage throughout the day on the Market Day Report and tonight on the Rural Evening News.
While artificial intelligence, or AI, is reshaping both jobs and messaging in agriculture, CoBank data suggests human expertise still matters.
October 21, 2025 02:29 PM
·
Bubba and Amy Miller run Miller Cattle Company in Eros, Louisiana. After visiting other homesteading fairs, they decided to put on their own.
October 21, 2025 02:28 PM
·
The new AFBF Women in Agriculture survey is accepting responses from women in the industry across the United States now through March 31.
October 21, 2025 01:56 PM
·
University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) representative Dr. Dirac Twidwell joins us with the latest on woody encroachment conservation efforts in the Great Plains.
October 21, 2025 01:42 PM
·
API said it stands ready to work with Congress to develop a balanced approach to E15 legislation that promotes fuel choice, supports investment certainty, and contributes to a stable and fair marketplace for American consumers.
October 21, 2025 12:39 PM
·
In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
October 21, 2025 11:57 AM
·
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
October 21, 2025 11:22 AM
·
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
October 21, 2025 11:06 AM
·
Southern farms are deepening online engagement for cost savings and market access, while higher-cost precision technologies face renewed scrutiny amid tight budgets.
October 20, 2025 11:22 AM
·
