USDA’s yearly SNAP error rates slightly dip amid “Big, Beautiful Bill” approaching deadline

A vote-a-rama for President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” is about to enter its 24th hour in the Senate as Friday’s deadline quickly approaches. While there is still a lot of debate over GOP plans for the SNAP program, some brand-new data could add fuel to that fire.

USDA has released its yearly findings for error rates in the SNAP program. The Department found the error rate at just below 11 percent, which is a small decline from 2023. Alaska came in the highest at nearly 25 percent, but is still down from the 60 percent of the previous year.

Error rates took a climb after the Pandemic. In 2019, the nationwide total was a little more than seven percent.

Ag lawmakers are letting their frustrations be known. Both Congressional Ag Committee Chairs say the new rates are an example of why the reconciliation package needs to pass, bringing it much-needed accountability to the program. They are calling for historic reforms and want proper payments to b stopped before they happen.

Related Stories
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer explains the updates to crop insurance subsidies, additional benefits for new farmers, and eligibility considerations for those entering the program.
Farm CPA Paul Nieffer explains the Farmer Bridge Assistance payment limits, provides clarity on new legislation, and offers advice for producers considering business structure adjustments.
Nutrition policy shifts may influence retail demand across agriculture.
Restored base acres strengthen cotton risk protection.
The debate now matters as much as the policy — market rules and regulatory clarity depend on whether Congress can finish the bill this year.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law reviews key highlights from the House Agriculture Committee’s latest farm bill proposal.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Iowa land values dropped 3% year-over-year. Sen. Chuck Grassley said this discomforting pattern is a harbinger of crisis for farmers, as seen in the 1980s.
Prepare for tighter cash flow, delayed capital buys, and policy-driven risk management this fall.
Jed Bower, the incoming president of the National Corn Growers Association, joined us for his sector’s perspective on the ongoing government shutdown.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week said an announcement would be made on Tuesday. However, that self-imposed deadline has now passed.
Delaware FarmHER Katie Evans turns “ugly” produce into delicious treats through her nationally recognized brand, The Frozen Farmer
George Baird, with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA), joins us with updates on how this year’s rice harvest is shaping up.
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.