In the News
USDA Staffing Shortages Strain FSA and NRCS Services Across Rural America
WASHINGTON (DTN) — Farmers in Polk County, Iowa, still have a Farm Service Agency office to visit. But when they arrive, four out of five days, that office will be closed. Calls are rerouted and employees from other counties come in to staff the office.
Read More USDA Staffing Shortages Strain FSA and NRCS Services Across Rural America
STUDY | The Unfinished Farm Bill: First Reading of Proposed Senate Legislation by Jonathan Coppess
On June 23, 2026, Senator John Boozman (R-AR), chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (ANF), released legislative text for the unfinished provisions of the traditional Farm Bill. Chairman Boozman is calling the legislation “Farm Bill 2.0” (Senate ANF, “Farm Bill 2.0” and Press Release, June 23, 2026). This article provides a first
Read More STUDY | The Unfinished Farm Bill: First Reading of Proposed Senate Legislation by Jonathan Coppess
Economic woes threaten push for climate-smart farming
Trade disputes, high operating costs and low crop prices may force farmers to cut back on practices that help the environment.
Read More Economic woes threaten push for climate-smart farming
Federal shutdown hits Louisiana farmers during harvest: ‘the math just doesn’t work’
Each fall, farmers across Louisiana count on the now-shuttered U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies for financial assistance and information. For three weeks, they’ve been unable to get a loan from the agency, apply for a conservation program or receive a market report.
Read More Federal shutdown hits Louisiana farmers during harvest: ‘the math just doesn’t work’
For Farmers, the Government Shutdown Adds More Challenges
With no access to local ag-related offices, critical loans, or disaster assistance, farmers are facing even more stressors.
Read More For Farmers, the Government Shutdown Adds More Challenges
Farmers feel the effects of the government shutdown
Rodney Koch, farmer from near Garretson, South Dakota, says he is waiting on funding from the NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program amid tough commodity markets.
Read More Farmers feel the effects of the government shutdown
USDA’s Shutdown Plan Detailed
Federal Shutdown Will Delay Expected Payments to Farmers
Read More USDA’s Shutdown Plan Detailed
More pain for US farmers as government shutdown halts payments
The U.S. federal government shutdown that began Wednesday will halt some payments to farmers and delay access to federal farm loans, the latest blow for producers already facing low crop prices, record-high debts and a trade war at the height of the fall harvest.
Read More More pain for US farmers as government shutdown halts payments
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