The Senate Ag Committee will hold a hearing tomorrow on USDA’s reorganization plan

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins laid out her plan to reorganize USDA last week, but many say they were caught off guard by the announcement. Now, lawmakers want answers.

Happening at 11:00 AM Eastern, the Senate Ag Committee will get to question Deputy Ag Secretary Stephen Vaden, the sole witness for the hearing. Senators John Boozman and Amy Klobuchar both said the consolidation plan came as a surprise. In a statement shortly after Rollins’ announcement, Senator Boozman said the best way to serve the U.S. ag community is by working together.

Secretary Rollins plans to close several USDA buildings in Washington, D.C., including one with more than $1 billion in deferred maintenance. Employees at those facilities would be split among five regional hubs across the United States.

Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar was one of the first to call for a congressional hearing, warning the reorganization would set U.S. agriculture back.

Related Stories
As ag lawmakers in the Senate await the House vote on the Farm Bill, they are eager to discuss the challenges farmers face before it is their turn to take up the critical legislation.
New label rules may strengthen demand for U.S. products.
RFA and ACE leaders join us to discuss the latest developments in ethanol policy, market impacts, and the path forward
For agriculture, the meeting is seen as a potential turning point, with markets watching closely for any signals on trade, exports, and future purchasing commitments.
Dave Duquette, founder of Western Justice, joined us to discuss wolf management, rancher concerns, efforts to return control to the states, and his upcoming documentary, “Wolves: True Conflict.”
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy and under the Clean Air Act, approved the temporary measure to help stabilize fuel supplies and reduce costs for consumers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report for a closer look at how Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill changes to base acres and potential impacts on future ARC and PLC payments.
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) joined us on Champions of Rural America to share his insights on upcoming changes to public land management and how they will benefit agriculture and the Western working class.
The Nashville Ag Club meets monthly to discuss current issues and hear from inspiring agriculture-related speakers.
As the White House works to close the trade gap, patience is wearing thin for some lawmakers. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says farmers are getting backed into a corner.
The Arkansas Farm Bureau takes us there for a tour of the facility that will expand livestock education in a key agricultural region.