Department of Agriculture (USDA) News

• USDA Update: $20B Disaster Aid, $1.3B Specialty Crop Assistance, & Revised Lending Rates

  # USDA Weekly Roundup: Agricultural Headlines and Policy UpdatesWelcome to the USDA Weekly Roundup, where we bring you the latest developments in American agriculture. I'm your host, and today we've got several important updates to cover.The biggest headline this week comes from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who announced that enrollment for the massive $20 billion disaster aid program will begin before the end of May. This is welcome news for farmers affected by recent natural disasters across the country."President Trump is again putting farmers first," Secretary Rollins stated while discussing USDA's commitment to supporting American agriculture.In other significant news, the USDA is issuing $1.3 billion to specialty crop producers through the second round of the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program. This follows nearly $900 million already delivered in first-round payments to eligible producers of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and other specialty crops.The program specifically helps these producers manage higher marketing costs related to the perishability of their products, specialized handling requirements, packaging needs, and higher labor costs.For agricultural producers seeking financing, the USDA has announced May 2025 lending rates, effective since May 1st. Farm Operating Loans are now at 5.125%, while Farm Ownership Loans stand at 5.625%. Emergency Loans for actual losses are available at 3.75%.On the regulatory front, Secretary Rollins has implemented new requirements for states to provide records on SNAP benefits to ensure lawful use of federal funds. This aligns with the administration's focus on program integrity.Looking at the calendar ahead, May 16th is the target date for submitting the final rule on 2023-2024 Supplemental Disaster Assistance to the Office of Management and Budget. States have staggered deadlines to complete agreements, with the earliest being June 13th for agreements negotiated by May 28th.For farmers interested in disaster aid programs, watch for enrollment details coming before month's end. These programs represent one of the largest post-disaster agriculture relief efforts in U.S. history.To learn more about any of these programs or to find your local USDA Service Center, visit usda.gov or use the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov to explore financing options.This has been the USDA Weekly Roundup. Until next time, thank you for tuning in.

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• USDA Today: Trade Deals, Disaster Relief, New Lending Rates, and School Nutrition Updates

  # USDA Today: Agriculture Updates for May 2025*[Upbeat intro music fades in]*Welcome to USDA Today, I'm your host bringing you the latest from America's agriculture department. This week, Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a significant development - a new trade agreement in principle with the United Kingdom that will lower tariffs and remove trade barriers. This comes as President Trump made the announcement on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, with Secretary Rollins scheduled to visit the UK from May 12-14.In disaster response news, the USDA is rolling out a massive agricultural relief effort for farmers affected by severe weather in 2023 and 2024. The department has established a timeline for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, with sign-ups beginning as early as July 7th for producers with indemnified losses. For uncovered losses, applications will open around September 15th. This represents one of the largest post-disaster agriculture relief efforts in U.S. history.Additionally, the USDA announced May 2025 lending rates for agricultural producers. Farm Operating Loans are set at 5.125%, Farm Ownership Loans at 5.625%, and Emergency Loans at 3.750%. These favorable rates aim to help farmers start or expand operations, purchase equipment, or meet cash flow needs.For families, important changes are coming to school nutrition standards. Starting this fall, there will be limits on added sugars in breakfast cereals, yogurt, and flavored milk. By 2027, no more than 10% of weekly calories in school meals can be from added sugars.The department is also responding to recent natural disasters, with people recovering from severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding potentially eligible for food assistance through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.In organizational news, Secretary Rollins held the inaugural Farmers First roundtable, bringing together state agricultural leaders to prioritize farmers' needs.For farmers interested in the disaster assistance programs, mark your calendars for the staggered application periods beginning in July. To explore loan options or learn more about any of these programs, contact your local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov to use online tools like the Loan Assistance Tool.As always, the USDA remains committed to supporting America's agricultural producers and ensuring food security for all Americans.*[Outro music fades in]*

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• USDA Announces Disaster Aid Details, Reorganization Plan Ahead

  # USDA Weekly Update Podcast ScriptWelcome to this week's USDA Update. I'm your host, bringing you the latest from the Department of Agriculture.Our top story: Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has announced that USDA will open applications for nearly $21 billion in natural disaster aid before the end of May. During testimony before a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, Secretary Rollins confirmed this crucial timeline for farmers affected by natural disasters over the past two years."We will announce applications for disaster aid in the coming weeks, by the end of May," Rollins stated during the hearing on Tuesday. The aid package, passed quickly after Hurricane Helene last fall, covers various natural disasters from 2023 and 2024, with $2 billion specifically designated for livestock producers.In organizational news, Secretary Rollins revealed that the USDA's comprehensive reorganization plan will be released next week. Approximately 15,000 USDA employees have accepted early retirement or buyouts under the Deferred Resignation Program, though Rollins emphasized this aligns with normal attrition rates."USDA has around 106,000 employees in total. Every year, we lose just by attrition between 8,000 to 10,000 of those employees," Rollins explained, adding, "I think the President has a very bold vision of returning the power to the people of downsizing the government. And I think we're doing that in a very intentional and very smart way."The USDA has also announced May 2025 lending rates for agricultural producers, with Farm Operating Loans at 5.125% and Farm Ownership Loans at 5.625%. These favorable rates aim to help eligible producers access vital capital for operations, equipment, and cash flow needs.Meanwhile, concerns are mounting about changes to USDA farm loan processes. Senator Amy Klobuchar and colleagues have raised issues regarding the new procedures, which could affect many agricultural producers.Progress continues on the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, with Secretary Rollins reporting that nearly $8 billion has been distributed since late March, reaching more than 472,000 farmers.For farmers and producers seeking information about disaster aid applications or loan programs, visit your local USDA Service Center or use online tools like the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.That's all for this week's update. We'll be watching closely for the reorganization plan and disaster aid application details in the coming days. I'm your host, signing off until next week.

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• USDA Updates Lending Rates, Reshapes Climate Initiatives, Aids Specialty Crops

  # USDA Weekly Update Podcast Script[INTRO MUSIC]Welcome to the USDA Weekly Update, where we bring you the latest from America's agriculture department. I'm your host, bringing you the top news from Washington.Our headline this week: The USDA has just announced its May 2025 lending rates for agricultural producers, effective May 1st. Farm operating loans will be available at 5.125%, with ownership loans at 5.625%. These crucial financial tools help farmers start or expand operations, purchase equipment, build storage facilities, or meet cash flow needs. Emergency loans for producers facing losses are set at 3.750%.Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has been making waves with several significant policy shifts. Just last month, the department canceled the Biden-era Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative, reforming it into the Advancing Markets for Producers program. Secretary Rollins explained the change, 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 reformed program requires that a minimum of 65% of federal funds go directly to producers, addressing concerns that previous programs had high administrative fees with less than half of funding reaching farmers themselves.In international news, Mexico has committed to eliminating restrictions on USDA aircraft and waiving customs duties on equipment helping to combat the spread of New World Screwworm, following negotiations with Secretary Rollins.Looking at leadership changes, Secretary Rollins announced new State Directors for the Farm Service Agency and Rural Development on May 2nd, continuing the administration's focus on what they call "putting Farmers First."For specialty crop producers, there's good news as the USDA prepares to issue $1.3 billion through a second round of Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program payments this week.The department has also designated two Oklahoma counties as contiguous natural disaster areas due to heat and winds, making emergency loans available to affected producers.For farmers seeking assistance with loans, the USDA offers online resources including a Loan Assistance Tool and Debt Consolidation Tool at farmers.gov.Coming up: Watch for more details on the reformed producer market program and how existing partnerships will continue under new guidelines.For more information on any of these developments, contact your local USDA Service Center or visit usda.gov.That's all for this week's USDA update. I'm [Name], thanks for listening.[OUTRO MUSIC]

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• USDA Rollins Overhauls Agency, Shifts Climate Priorities & Boosts Producer Funding

  # USDA WEEKLY PODCAST: May 2, 2025HOST: Welcome to the USDA Weekly Update, where we break down the latest developments from the Department of Agriculture. I'm your host, and today we're covering major changes at the USDA under Secretary Brooke Rollins.Our top story: The Trump administration's plan to reorganize and downsize the USDA is expected to be released by mid-May. Secretary Rollins confirmed this timeline while speaking in North Dakota, indicating the restructuring could involve consolidating USDA programs with other federal agencies."There are seven agencies that deal with housing, including USDA," Rollins noted. "There are 12 agencies that deal with rural prosperity and rural programming. This is the first time we're taking a hard look at how our government is organized."In a significant policy shift, the USDA has canceled the Biden-era Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative, replacing it with the Advancing Markets for Producers program. Secretary Rollins didn't mince words about the change: "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 reformed program requires that a minimum of 65% of federal funds go directly to producers, addressing concerns that previous projects had high administration fees with less than half of funding reaching farmers.In financial news, the USDA announced new lending rates for agricultural producers effective May 1st, providing crucial access to capital for farmers looking to expand operations or purchase equipment.The department is also delivering relief to farmers impacted by recent natural disasters, with emergency loan designations for counties in Oklahoma affected by heat and winds, and physical loss loans for producers affected by tornadoes in Indiana.For specialty crop producers, there's good news – Secretary Rollins announced a second round of payments through the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program, providing up to $1.3 billion in additional assistance.Looking ahead, the USDA's reorganization could affect several key areas, including Rural Development programs and federal wildfire services. Rollins emphasized that essential support programs won't be eliminated: "We're not taking food away from hungry kids or stopping wildfire efforts. The focus is on reducing layers of bureaucracy."For farmers affected by program changes, the USDA will contact current partners individually. For more information on any of these developments, visit the USDA website at usda.gov.That's all for this week's update. Join us next Friday for more agricultural news from Washington.

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