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.
Jed Bower, the incoming president of the National Corn Growers Association, joined us for his sector’s perspective on the ongoing government shutdown.
October 08, 2025 11:41 AM
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week said an announcement would be made on Tuesday. However, that self-imposed deadline has now passed.
October 08, 2025 11:19 AM
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Dr. Todd Davis, Chief Economist with the Indiana Farm Bureau, shares a snapshot of his state’s harvest conditions and insights from producers.
October 07, 2025 02:37 PM
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Lewis Williamson, from HTS Commodities, joined us to share insights on the farm economy from producers in the field.
October 07, 2025 12:47 PM
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Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.
October 07, 2025 11:09 AM
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“A government shutdown impacts all Americans and has serious consequences, including for farmers. It just adds additional uncertainty, disrupts critical services.”
October 06, 2025 11:23 AM
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