Department of Agriculture (USDA) News

• USDA Delivers $340.6M in Disaster Aid, Dietary Guidelines Update, and Expanded Trade Missions

  This week’s headline from the Department of Agriculture is big: Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a sweeping $340.6 million in disaster assistance to help farmers, ranchers, and rural communities recover from severe natural disasters across the country. Secretary Rollins, speaking from Fargo, North Dakota, emphasized, “This relief will help keep family farms afloat and rural communities thriving as we rebuild from this year’s devastating events.” This funding is a direct response to mounting climate challenges and reflects a growing focus on resilience in American agriculture.On the policy front, USDA is moving ahead with finalizing the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. After a robust public comment period, Secretary Rollins, in partnership with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., signaled a commitment to transparency and sound science. Rollins affirmed, “We will make certain the 2025-2030 Guidelines are based on sound science, not political science.” Expect these guidelines—impacting federal nutrition programs and school meals nationwide—to be released before the December 31 statutory deadline.Trade remains a priority, too. USDA has just opened applications for four major agricultural trade promotion programs to boost exports in the upcoming fiscal year. The aim? Tackle the reported $50 billion trade deficit the agriculture sector inherited from the previous administration. Secretary Rollins announced six upcoming trade missions to expand market access, visiting Vietnam, Japan, India, Peru, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. These programs represent a crucial investment in rural economic growth and global competitiveness.Meanwhile, the latest Crop Progress Report shows American farmers are making the most of favorable conditions, with winter wheat heading rates outpacing the five-year average and corn and soybean planting proceeding ahead of schedule. Cattle numbers are also robust: April’s Cattle on Feed Report notes record-setting inventories, with over 11.6 million head reported and higher placements than last year. This signals strong marketings but also puts pressure on feed supplies and pricing.For businesses, these developments mean new market opportunities, expanded disaster support, and clearer dietary guidance ahead. State and local governments will see additional federal resources and shifting requirements as USDA updates nutrition standards and emergency funding streams. Internationally, new trade missions are poised to deepen U.S. partnerships in key global markets.Looking forward, keep an eye on the release of those new dietary guidelines, the impact of disaster aid on rural economies, and the outcomes of Secretary Rollins’ trade missions. If you’re a producer affected by recent disasters or interested in export assistance, check out usda.gov for details on program applications and deadlines. And if you have feedback on USDA’s nutrition policies, stay tuned—the next public comment window is expected following the release of the new guidelines.We’ll be watching how these policy shifts and investments shape the landscape for America’s farmers, businesses, and families. Stay informed, get involved, and help shape the future of U.S. agriculture.

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• "USDA Cancels Climate Partnerships, Shifts to Farmer-Centric Agenda under Secretary Rollins"

  This week’s biggest headline from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is the sweeping cancellation of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, a high-profile initiative from the previous administration. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the decision on April 14, stating, “The Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative was largely built to advance the green new scam at the benefit of NGOs, not American farmers. The concerns of farmers took a backseat during the Biden Administration. During my short time as Secretary, I have heard directly from our farmers that many of the USDA partnerships are overburdened by red tape, have ambiguous goals, and require complex reporting that push farmers onto the sidelines. We are correcting these mistakes and redirecting our efforts to set our farmers up for an unprecedented era of prosperity.” USDA will honor prior expenses for existing projects and allow select ones to continue—if most funds truly go to farmers—but there will be no new funding moving forward.In another major development, Secretary Rollins announced a fresh slate of presidential appointments designed to steer the agency under President Trump’s “America First” agenda. Bailey Archey, a Mississippi State alumna and former legislative aide, will serve as Policy Advisor focused on Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issues, reinforcing a leadership team intent on cutting regulatory burdens and promoting rural prosperity. “Agriculture is the backbone of America, and strong leadership at the People’s Department is key to America’s continued success,” Rollins said, signaling a clear pivot to producer-centered policies.On the ground, USDA designated multiple counties across Utah, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Missouri as natural disaster areas after recent tornadoes and severe flooding. This move opens access to emergency credit and low-interest loans, helping farmers replace essential equipment and livestock and stabilize their operations as they recover from extreme weather.These changes have immediate impacts. For everyday Americans, this could mean more producer-focused food supply chains and quicker disaster aid for communities hit by climate events. Businesses in agriculture may face less paperwork and more direct support but will see the end of specific climate-focused grants and pilot projects, requiring shifts in strategy for those previously involved. State and local governments will manage transitions in federal programs and collaborate on disaster relief, while the cancellation of climate commodity partnerships may affect international collaborations on sustainability and trade.Looking ahead, the USDA is also working alongside HHS to finalize the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the key nutrition framework for federal food programs, with commitments to base guidance on “sound science, not political science.” The final guidelines are set to arrive by the end of the year.For those wanting to engage, USDA is expected to reach out to organizations involved in climate-smart projects regarding next steps, and citizens can keep up with public comment opportunities as new program guidelines and initiatives are announced. Stay tuned for updates on further regulatory reforms, budget shifts, and fresh support programs as the Department charts its new course. For more information on disaster assistance or upcoming deadlines, visit USDA’s website and local FSA offices—your voice and feedback remain essential as these changes take shape.

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• USDA Update: Corn Stocks Slashed, Dietary Guidelines Overhauled, and Key Program Deadlines Loom

  Welcome to this week’s USDA Update, your trusted source for the latest news and insights from the United States Department of Agriculture. I’m your host, and today, I’ll break down the most impactful developments that will shape agriculture, business, and communities across the country. Let’s dive in.The big headline this week comes from the USDA’s April World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. U.S. corn ending stocks have been slashed by 75 million bushels, now standing at 1.325 billion bushels—lower than March’s forecast. This change reflects a boost in export demand by 100 million bushels, signaling strong global market interest. Wheat stocks, on the other hand, increased by 27 million bushels, which has traders watching price dynamics closely. While soybean numbers saw minor adjustments, USDA analysts suggest this may pave the way for pricing shifts in the months ahead. These changes matter not just for farmers but also for everyone impacted by the cost of food and agriculture products.On a different note, the USDA is making strides with its 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Leading this effort, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins promises a science-driven approach in collaboration with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Public health advocates will be interested to know that the updated guidelines aim to promote transparency and prioritize well-being over special interests. With a statutory deadline of December 31, 2025, these guidelines will impact everything from school lunch programs to public health campaigns.For those in agriculture, don’t forget: April 15 marks the close of enrollment for the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs. These safety nets provide critical financial protections against price drops, so farmers should act now to secure coverage.Loan rates for April 2025 were also announced, with direct farm operating loans set at 5.375% and emergency loans at 3.75%. These rates help farmers access much-needed capital to maintain or expand operations. For anyone looking to invest in storage or equipment, USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation offers low-interest loans with terms extending up to 15 years.So what does all this mean for you? For American citizens, expect potential changes in food prices as global demand for U.S. crops rises. Farmers and agribusinesses should brace for market volatility while exploring USDA’s financial tools to mitigate risks. State and local governments will likely find new opportunities to partner with the USDA as updated dietary guidelines and agricultural programs roll out. Internationally, the U.S. bolsters its role as a key global supplier, enhancing trade relations.Looking ahead, May’s WASDE report will include projections for the 2025-2026 crop year—one to watch as we head into planting season. For more information, visit your local USDA service center or explore resources on farmers.gov. If you’re a producer, reach out now to secure program benefits, and if you’re passionate about public health, stay tuned for updates on the dietary guidelines.Thanks for tuning in to USDA Update. Stay informed, stay engaged, and we’ll see you next week!

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• USDA's Spring Deadlines and Initiatives: Shaping Farms, Families, and Food Markets

  This week, the USDA has placed a spotlight on critical deadlines and initiatives, starting with a significant April 15 enrollment deadline for its key Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. These programs serve as essential safety nets for farmers facing drops in crop prices or revenues. As of now, 90% of New York’s expected contracts have been secured, but producers who fail to act by the deadline risk losing protection for 2025. Acting Deputy State Executive Director Rob Gallinger emphasized the importance, noting, “ARC and PLC programs provide excellent risk protection for market declines at no cost to producers.” Farmers are encouraged to contact local FSA offices immediately to ensure their participation.Meanwhile, the USDA is working alongside the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on revising the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Following the public comment period, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. are promising transformative updates grounded in “sound science, not political science.” Rollins remarked this marks “a new day” for public health and nutrition guidance. The finalized guidelines, expected by year-end, will shape policies affecting school meals, nutrition programs, and public health for years to come.On another front, the USDA’s April World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report revealed a decline in U.S. corn stocks to 1.325 billion bushels, down from last month’s 1.502 billion. This signals tighter supplies, potentially influencing pricing and export strategies, with ripple effects across food and fuel markets.These developments carry widespread implications. For farmers, the ARC and PLC programs offer financial resilience amidst market volatility. For families, the dietary guideline revisions aim to inform healthier food choices while bolstering nutrition-related programs. On a broader scale, the WASDE report’s findings may impact agricultural exports and pricing strategies, affecting domestic and global markets alike.Looking ahead, key deadlines such as April 15 for safety net enrollments are imminent. Citizens can engage by providing feedback on the Dietary Guidelines before they’re finalized. For more, visit local USDA offices or their official website. Don’t let crucial opportunities pass—stay informed, act fast, and watch this space for further updates.

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• USDA Reforms Protect Forests, Boost Trade and Nutrition Policy

  Welcome to today’s USDA Update, where we bring you the latest developments shaping agriculture, nutrition, and rural America. This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made waves with new reforms aimed at bolstering both environmental protections and economic growth. Let’s dive into the most significant headlines.Last Friday, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced sweeping policies to protect America’s national forests while also boosting domestic timber production. This dual-purpose initiative seeks to address climate concerns and stabilize rural economies simultaneously. Rollins emphasized, “Our forests are national treasures, but they’re also vital for our economy. By balancing conservation with sustainable use, we’re securing both jobs and futures.” The policy includes stricter logging regulations and expanded funding for forest conservation programs, which could benefit up to 15 million acres of public lands.On the international stage, USDA unveiled plans for agricultural trade promotion programs for fiscal year 2026. With $280 million in funding, programs like the Market Access Program and Emerging Markets Program are set to help U.S. farmers export goods to countries like Vietnam, Japan, and India. Secretary Rollins stated, “The last administration left a $50 billion agriculture trade deficit. We’re not just closing that gap; we’re actively creating opportunities.” These efforts are expected to open new markets for American producers, potentially adding billions to agricultural exports.Meanwhile, nutrition took center stage as USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services continue their work on the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These guidelines, set to be finalized by December, promise a shift toward transparency and evidence-based recommendations. Rollins noted, “This is the dawn of a new day where nutrition policy will align with science, not politics.” As public health depends on robust dietary guidance, the updates aim to empower families toward healthier choices.What do these developments mean for you? For families, healthier, more affordable groceries could be on the horizon as nutrition guidelines and food policies evolve. Farmers and businesses might find new opportunities in expanding export markets, while rural communities could see economic support through enhanced forestry policies. State governments are likely to play a role in implementing and managing these programs, amplifying local involvement.So, what’s next? USDA’s international trade trips begin this summer, while public engagement on the dietary guidelines remains crucial. Citizens can follow USDA updates online or attend local forums to share their views. That’s all for today! For more information, visit USDA’s website or follow their social media channels. Got thoughts on these changes? Be sure to speak up. Until next time, stay informed and engaged.

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