Department of Agriculture (USDA) News

• USDA Shutdown Impacts Farmers, Insurance Reforms Ahead, New Nutrition Plans on the Table

  Listeners, the top headline out of Washington this week: nearly half of all USDA employees—over 42,000 staff—are being furloughed as the federal government shuts down. According to the USDA’s official contingency plan, this shutdown means that critical payments to farmers are stalled, most research and data collection has come to a halt, and new federal farm loans are paused. However, mission-critical food safety inspections and certain animal health efforts will continue using emergency funds. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins called this “a blow landing hard on rural America during one of the worst farm economies in years,” and she’s urging Congress to find common ground to restore essential services for producers who, in her words, “don’t get to shut down.”Beyond the shutdown, the USDA is still moving forward on select initiatives. Significant enhancements to federal crop insurance, promised under President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” are set to take effect as soon as operations resume. These upgrades will boost premium support for beginning farmers and ranchers by as much as 15 percentage points in their first two years, with heightened subsidies tapering through year ten. This aims to offer greater financial stability for new producers at a time when volatility and climate risks are high.Policy proposals are shifting as well. The Make America Healthy Again Commission, which includes USDA leadership, has put forward sweeping recommendations to tackle childhood chronic disease, focusing on better nutrition, safer chemicals in food, and revamping SNAP—popularly known as food stamps. For context, proposals would restrict petroleum-based food dyes, define “ultra-processed,” and alter how SNAP operates for lower-income Americans. Implementation would mean changes to how states administer benefits and what foods can be purchased, impacting millions of households and grocers nationwide.Meanwhile, Farm Service Agency staff are on call to manage disaster responses like Hurricane Helene’s impact in South Carolina, and producers there have until October 31 to apply for emergency assistance. Budget-wise, the USDA’s $38.3 million disaster grant to South Carolina underscores ongoing support—despite the federal funding freeze.When it comes to the big picture, delays in payments and services hit small producers the hardest. Businesses in the ag supply chain stand to lose out on timely purchases and credit. Local governments relying on USDA programs for rural development and nutrition now face uncertainty. And with food safety inspections operating at reduced capacity, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about any alerts for recalls or outbreaks.If you’re a producer, industry group, or concerned citizen, USDA has opened a public comment period on its latest department reorganization plan, which includes consolidating operations and relocating staff. This is a direct way to weigh in on how the agency works for you; find comment details on USDA’s official press site.Key events to watch: Congressional negotiations to reopen government and restore farm bill programming, the October 31 deadline for South Carolina disaster assistance, and updates on implementation timelines for insurance and nutrition program reforms.For the latest, head to usda.gov or follow @usda for live updates. If public input is needed on new proposals or reorganization, make your voice heard—it genuinely shapes the future of food and agriculture policy. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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• USDA Shakes Up SNAP with New Retailer Rules and Farm Relief Payments

  The week’s biggest headline from the Department of Agriculture is Secretary Brooke Rollins’ announcement of strengthened retailer stocking requirements for SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The USDA is proposing new rules that would require stores to offer at least seven varieties in each core food group—dairy, protein, grain, and fruits and vegetables—up from the current three. According to Secretary Rollins, “Retailers participating in SNAP need to sell real food, plain and simple. These changes are designed to minimize benefit trafficking and skimming, among other fraudulent activities, while making more nutritious foods available to families who rely on the program.” This proposal comes as part of a more aggressive push to cut fraud, waste, and abuse from the country’s largest nutrition program, which last year involved over 266,000 retailers and nearly $96 billion in SNAP benefits.This is a major shift for both the 40 million Americans who rely on SNAP and the retailers who serve them. More choices on the shelves mean improved nutrition options for families, but it’s a shakeup for small business owners who will have to swiftly adapt inventory to meet new standards. Beyond improved food security, USDA is encouraging public feedback on the proposed rule through regulations.gov now through November 24, so listeners can weigh in on potential impacts—whether you’re a shopper, store owner, or community advocate.Another noteworthy update comes in farm economic relief. The USDA is rolling out second payments under the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program for eligible producers hit by high input costs and volatile crop prices. Over $8 billion of the authorized $10 billion is already out the door, with additional support helping farmers pay down debt and keep operations afloat. Deputy Under Secretary Brooke Appleton told attendees at the Ag Outlook Forum that “these payments…will help producers navigate market uncertainty, pay down debt for the 2024 crop year, and secure financing for the next crop year.” Payments are automatic for those with approved applications, and applications accepted after September 25 get one lump-sum payment.As the harvest ramps up, USDA data shows an unexpected increase in corn and soybean acreage this month—1.4 million more acres of corn and 200,000 more of soybeans than previously estimated. This surprises analysts and initially pushed commodity prices lower, a sign of just how much market volatility affects not only farms but food processors, grocers, and ultimately, household budgets.For states and local governments, the SNAP changes raise questions about program administration and nutrition policy priorities, especially in regions with high need and limited retail capacity. Internationally, these developments in nutrition and crop data could affect food exports and partnerships, with wheat exports already up and ending stocks down by 25 million bushels.Looking ahead, keep an eye on USDA’s final decision on the SNAP retailer rule after public comments, as well as further program payment timelines for producers. For more information on these changes and ways to engage, visit the USDA’s website and regulations.gov.If you want your voice heard on SNAP, now is the time—head to regulations.gov, read the proposed rule, and add your comment by November 24. Thanks for tuning in today. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss the latest from Washington and America’s farms and food systems. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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• USDA Celebrates CRP Milestone, Unveils New Lending Rates and Nutrition Initiatives

  Listeners, the most significant headline from the Department of Agriculture this week comes as USDA announces a major enrollment milestone for its Conservation Reserve Program, with nearly 1.8 million acres accepted for 2025. This effort marks CRP’s 40th anniversary, highlighting four decades of voluntary, private lands stewardship and conservation impact. According to Farm Service Agency Administrator Bill Beam, “America’s agricultural producers recognize the value of preserving our most sensitive lands and are deeply committed to conserving our natural resources.” With over 25 million acres now enrolled, this program keeps marginal or unproductive land in vegetative cover, improving water quality, restoring habitat, and even allowing continued grazing under specific provisions.Zooming out, USDA has also updated loan rates for September 2025. Direct Operating Loans are now at 4.875 percent, while Farm Ownership Loans stand at 5.875 percent. These lending rates provide a critical lifeline for farmers and ranchers coping with tight margins, making it possible for them to invest in their operations, purchase equipment, and weather market uncertainties. Producers can access these resources nationwide, supporting both new and existing agricultural businesses and, by extension, helping to stabilize local economies.On the policy front, the Make America Healthy Again Commission has released a sweeping Strategy Report calling for bold changes in food safety and nutrition policy. Recommendations include stricter limits on certain food additives, a new government-wide definition of “ultra-processed foods,” and guidance for reforming the way programs like SNAP ensure food quality for low-income Americans. Some of these initiatives are already in motion, with revised guidelines and state-level pilots to reduce so-called “junk food” purchases.These shifts have real-world impacts. For rural communities and producers, CRP and new lending terms mean greater financial stability and stronger conservation incentives. Businesses benefit from regulatory clarity, while new food policy proposals could shape how retailers and manufacturers operate—possibly reformulating products or changing labeling practices. State and local governments get new tools and clearer guidance for implementing SNAP and conservation programs. Internationally, conservation efforts and food safety reforms maintain America’s reputation for high-quality agricultural exports, which is crucial for trade relations.Looking ahead, keep an eye out for further USDA actions on nutritional guidelines and conservation funding as Congress debates the Farm Bill reauthorization. If you’re a producer, visit your local USDA Service Center or the Loan Assistance Tool online for details on next steps and eligibility. And if you want a say in future policy, USDA regularly opens public comment periods—watch their website for those opportunities.For more in-depth information, visit usda.gov or connect with your local extension office. Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly updates that matter to you and your community. Thanks for tuning in—this has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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• USDA Tackles Screwworm Outbreak, Expands Conservation, and Boosts Crop Insurance for Farmers

  The biggest headline from the Department of Agriculture this week is the swift federal response to the new world screwworm outbreak confirmed in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. USDA Secretary Rollins announced an aggressive nationwide initiative to guard America’s livestock and food system. USDA is investing $100 million in breakthrough technologies to eradicate the pest, establishing a high-capacity sterile fly dispersal facility in Texas expected to be functional by the end of the year. This is part of a five-pronged effort including advanced surveillance, expanded border defenses, and collaborative cross-border partnerships with Mexico and Central America. Secretary Rollins assures, “The health of our farms is the health of our nation—our unified strategy keeps that promise to producers and families alike.”Beyond the screwworm threat, the USDA’s Risk Management Agency just rolled out new crop insurance enhancements after passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Beginning farmers get bigger premium subsidies for their first ten years, making coverage more affordable and leveling the playing field for new producers. Experienced farmers can also benefit from strengthened support structures.There’s important news on conservation, too. Nearly 1.8 million new acres have been accepted into the USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program, pushing total enrollment to almost 26 million acres nationwide. FSA Administrator Bill Beam reflects, “America’s agricultural producers recognize the value of preserving and protecting our most sensitive lands.” This expansion means cleaner waterways and richer wildlife habitats, with Kansas, South Dakota, and Colorado leading in new enrollments.Meanwhile in nutrition policy, the USDA is issuing new guidance for child and school nutrition programs to ensure compliance across federal law updates, including clearer rules for non-congregate meal services in rural areas and stricter requirements for accepting medical statements from registered dieticians for school and care facilities. These updates ensure vulnerable children and communities continue benefiting from reliable food services and health-focused oversight.From an economic perspective, USDA’s latest data points to a continued contraction in the cattle market. The number of cattle on feed dropped 1% in September year-over-year, with August placements at a ten percent decline over last year. Factors include shrinking herds and fewer imports from Mexico, affecting supply chains and market prices—from local ranchers to major processors.So what does all this mean? For families, these moves help preserve food safety and affordable nutrition, especially in rural and underserved areas. Farmers and ranchers get better risk protection and opportunities to safeguard their land for future generations. State agencies and local governments gain new resources and guidance as they work with USDA, while international collaboration is tightening to stop pests before they cross our border.Looking ahead, listeners should watch for USDA’s public listening sessions around new screwworm control technologies and ongoing policy webinars on child nutrition programs. Stakeholders can engage directly through comment periods and local FSA offices. For more details on specific programs or upcoming events, visit USDA.gov.Thanks for tuning in and don’t forget to subscribe for your weekly briefing on the pulse of American agriculture. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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• Conservation Wins, Disaster Aid, and USDA Lending Updates - Covering Key Agricultural News

  In today's biggest headline from the USDA, nearly 1.8 million acres have just been accepted into the 2025 Conservation Reserve Program. That's a major boost for environmental stewardship, with landowners across the country voluntarily setting aside land to improve water quality, prevent erosion, and create vital habitats for wildlife. USDA administrator Bill Beam celebrated this 40th anniversary milestone, commenting, “America’s agricultural producers recognize the value of preserving and protecting our most sensitive lands and are very committed to conserving our natural resources.” Kansas, South Dakota, and Colorado led the country in enrollment, with deadlines for CRP capped at 27 million acres for the 2025 fiscal year.In other critical USDA news, Secretary Brooke Rollins has announced a billion-dollar disaster assistance package for flood and wildfire-impacted livestock producers. Starting September 15, affected farmers and ranchers can apply for recovery aid through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program, helping offset costs from catastrophic events in 2023 and 2024. The sign-up runs until October 31. Secretary Rollins explained, “USDA is standing shoulder to shoulder with America’s farmers and ranchers, delivering the resources they need to stay in business, feed their families, and keep our food supply strong.”For those watching lending trends, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency published new September lending rates: operating loans are now at 4.875% and ownership loans at 5.875%. These rates help family farmers access essential capital for everything from equipment to storage upgrades. The FSA encourages producers to use online tools for step-by-step guidance on application, aiming to keep the process accessible and transparent.Policy makers and state agencies also saw updates in child nutrition program guidance. This month USDA issued memos clarifying non-congregate meal service in rural areas and new rules requiring all schools to accept medical statements from registered dietitians. These changes streamline support for vulnerable children and adapt meal programs to evolving health guidelines.What does this mean on the ground? For citizens, it’s cleaner water, protected habitats, and stronger safety nets after disasters. For businesses, particularly in agriculture, easier access to credit and clearer guidance on food programs. For states, the partnership with USDA drives conservation goals and emergency response. And with commodity loans and crop insurance getting more affordable, farmers have better tools for risk management and long-term planning.Key officials continue to urge producers and organizations to stay engaged. With new program launches and disaster relief opportunities, deadlines are fast approaching: CRP enrollments, disaster assistance applications, and child nutrition policy changes all call for timely action. Visit your local USDA service center, check out online assistance tools, and if you're a livestock producer, don’t miss the October 31 sign-up cut-off.Stay tuned for more on USDA budget updates, regulatory changes, and upcoming partnership announcements. For the latest, visit usda.gov or contact your regional service center. If you have feedback or need to weigh in on upcoming policy changes, USDA continues to welcome public comments.Thanks for tuning in. Don’t forget to subscribe to get weekly updates that matter to farmers, families, and communities nationwide. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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