USDA could use Section 32 under the CCC to make farmers whole this year

Between low prices and talks of trade issues, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins has promised to make farmers whole in the coming year, but she could take a unique approach to make it happen.

Sources tell AgriPulse that Rollins could use Section 32 under the Commodity Credit Corporation, which allows the Department to purchase extra commodities for feeding programs. However, it is written to also reestablish farmers’ purchasing power by making payments.

During the first Trump Administration, USDA used Section 5 authority. However, there is little money left unless Congress refills the account.

Related Stories
Securing Critical Water Resources for South Texas Agriculture
Clear right-to-repair guidance reduces downtime, repair costs, and operational risk.
Winter Weather And Markets Reshape Agriculture Nationwide This Week
Shrinking sheep numbers contrast with gradual goat expansion, signaling tighter lamb supplies but steadier growth potential for meat goats.
Falling livestock prices, combined with higher input costs, continue to squeeze farm profitability heading into 2026.
Smaller cow numbers and a declining calf crop point to prolonged tight cattle supplies, limiting near-term herd rebuilding potential.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Biofuel and corn producers await proposal as Renewable Fuels Association pushes for expanded ethanol access.
Lori Stevermer with the National Pork Producers Council reacts to the USDA’s speedline proposal, the new Farm Bill’s fix for California’s Prop-12, and other policy developments impacting the pork industry.
Weskan Grain CEO Will Bramblett discusses the antitrust lawsuit filed by grain farmers and agribusinesses, and its potential implications on rail competition and market access.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight into Canada’s trade push in Mexico and what it could signal for agriculture and the USMCA moving forward.
Lawmakers request information from CEO Scott Stump over sponsorship concerns and potential implications for the organization’s nonprofit status.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law reviews key highlights from the House Agriculture Committee’s latest farm bill proposal.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.