USDA layoffs are raising concerns in Congress on both aisles

President Trump is approaching 100 days in Office, and there have been a lot of changes to the government workforce, with more potentially on the way.

Citing a report from Government Executive, House Ag Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig says any more potential cuts to agriculture would be devastating.

“In Minnesota, and I know across this country, haphazard layoffs at USDA are jeopardizing our ability to serve farmers and keep our Ag system the safest and most productive in the world.”

USDA has said any cuts to the Department would target duplicate roles. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley has been watching the situation unfold and says whatever happens, he hopes it lifts up rural America.

Related Stories
Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the distribution of a comprehensive memorandum on Friday in Fort Worth, at RFD-TV’s Rural Town Hall presented by the Western Caucus Foundation.
The special presentation by RFD-TV and the Western Caucus Foundation will feature keynote remarks by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
The report gives producers a mostly stable row-crop balance sheet with sharper signals in wheat and meat markets.
Producers using farm entities should review ownership, labor contributions, and FSA paperwork before September 15.
AFBF Economist Bernt Nelson discusses biosecurity to prevent New World Screwworm and financial tools to support livestock as eradication efforts continue.
Dr. Stephanie Mercier, Senior Policy Adviser for the Farm Journal Foundation, discusses USDA’s New World Screwworm eradication, sterile fly production, trade restrictions, biosecurity, and the path ahead for U.S. cattle producers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

As cattle producers continue to navigate labor constraints and rising production demands, innovation in handling systems will remain a key driver of the industry’s long-term efficiency and safety goals.
Suzanne Fanning with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin joined us to discuss the “Born to Dairy” campaign, dairy promotion efforts in Wisconsin, and the economic role of the state’s dairy industry during National Dairy Month.
Oklahoma State University extension specialist Todd Hubbs joins us for an update on wheat harvest conditions in his state and the key factors shaping marketing decisions.
The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association joins us to share their “Milkshakes on the Moo-ve” campaign and statewide dairy outreach during National Dairy Month.
Officials say the FDA-approved generic drug kills most screwworm larvae within hours of administration. The medication is available in two dosage strengths and is administered based on an animal’s weight.
StoneX Director of Fertilizer, Josh Linville, joins us to discuss fertilizer market trends and risk management strategies to navigate an uncertain farm economy and fluctuating agricultural input costs.