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.
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Both Congressional Ag Committees took up the bill over the summer, but there’s no word on when the Senate could move forward; it does expire on September 30.
The $221 million will help farmers and ranchers cover losses from Hurricane Helene that USDA programs didn’t cover. They’ll focus on infrastructure, markets, timber, and future economic losses.
Farmers are struggling with low commodity prices and skyrocketing input costs, resulting in debt that is outpacing income across the sector, according to the USDA’s new farm income forecast.