Department of Agriculture (USDA) News

Let’s jump right into the latest from the Department of Agriculture. The most significant headline this week is the rollout of the USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan, unveiled by Secretary Brooke Rollins alongside top defense and homeland security officials, members of Congress, and several governors. The plan is designed to safeguard American agriculture from foreign threats, reflecting growing concerns over food security and resilience in a fast-changing global landscape. This initiative is being framed as a bold step to protect farmers, food supply chains, and rural communities from disruptions that could affect everyone, from producers to consumers.

On the policy front, the USDA is making waves with major environmental regulatory changes. Secretary Rollins recently announced that the agency is streamlining National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, regulations by rescinding seven agency-specific rules and creating a single department-wide process. According to USDA, this means a 66% reduction in regulations, aiming to cut unnecessary red tape and speed up critical infrastructure and energy projects that have been stalled for years. Rollins emphasized that these reforms will allow the department to concentrate resources on public needs while still honoring its land stewardship legacy. The move is already sparking debate among environmental advocates, but supporters say it will help farmers, ranchers, and rural communities by reducing delays and costs.

Coming to leadership, Secretary Rollins is also making her mark with new presidential appointments to the USDA. These changes aim to bring fresh perspective and expertise to a department facing both domestic and international challenges. Meanwhile, as reported by the USDA, there’s a new historic agreement—the Shared Stewardship Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Forest Service and Montana’s Governor Greg Gianforte, setting up a collaborative framework for managing forest resources.

Budget and program updates are rolling out too. The July 2025 USDA lending rates for agricultural producers are now available, with direct farm operating loans at 5% and farm ownership loans at 5.875%, offering crucial support to family farms and rural businesses. The USDA is also moving ahead with updated school nutrition standards, set to gradually take effect from next year, including new limits on added sugars in breakfast cereals, yogurt, and flavored milk.

The June 30th USDA acreage report revealed that corn acreage is down 7% from last year, to 95.2 million acres—still the third largest since 1944—with corn stocks also down by 7%. These shifts in supply could ripple through grocery prices and global markets, affecting everyone from American families to international trading partners.

Looking ahead, listeners should watch for continued rollout of the National Farm Security Action Plan and ongoing updates to environmental and nutrition policies. For more information or to get involved, visit

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The biggest headline from the USDA this week centers on a sweeping rollback of environmental regulations, as Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the department is rescinding seven agency-specific NEPA rules, consolidating them into one streamlined set of regulations. This reform, according to Secretary Rollins, will cut red tape by 66 percent and, in her words, “make the USDA more responsive to the needs of the American people,” aiming to speed up critical projects in rural communities and eliminate what she calls “bureaucratic overreach” that has stymied American innovation for years. This move follows a presidential executive order to unleash American energy and is designed to allow USDA officials to concentrate resources on projects that benefit the public, while still honoring the department’s legacy of land stewardship.

On the policy front, another significant update: the USDA has just released the results of its annual acreage report. Farmers this past spring planted 95.2 million acres of corn—down about 100,000 acres from earlier projections and a full seven percent drop compared to last year, but still the third largest acreage since 1944. Corn stocks as of June 1st are also down seven percent from last year, which could mean tighter supplies and possible price adjustments for both consumers and agribusinesses as summer heat impacts the corn belt.

In leadership news, Secretary Rollins has announced a new slate of presidential appointees, most notably Dr. Justin Ransom as Administrator of the Food Safety Inspection Service. Dr. Ransom brings over two decades of experience from industry giants like Tyson Foods and McDonald’s and has pledged to advance food safety, quality, and sustainability within the nation’s food supply.

The USDA has also set its July 2025 lending rates for agricultural producers. Farm operating loans are at 5.0 percent, ownership loans at 5.875 percent, and down payment loans at just 1.875 percent, providing critical financial flexibility for American farmers needing to finance new equipment, expand operations, or manage cash flow.

For families, changes are on the horizon for school nutrition. Starting in fall 2025, new limits on added sugars in breakfast cereals, yogurt, and flavored milk will begin, with a broader 10 percent cap on weekly added sugar calories beginning in 2027. USDA is committed to supporting schools with funding, training, and innovation, but there will be no new menu changes required for the upcoming school year.

Partnerships are also in focus: a historic Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Forest Service and the state of Montana was signed this week, signaling a new chapter in shared stewardship for forest health and wildfire resilience.

What do these changes mean for Americans? For rural communities and farmers, fewer regulatory hurdles could mean faster project approvals and growth opportunities. For businesses, streamlined processes and new leadership may facilitate

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This week’s most significant headline from the Department of Agriculture is the announcement of a phased reopening of southern U.S. ports for livestock trade with Mexico, starting with Douglas, Arizona on July 7. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins highlighted this move as a result of “extensive collaboration” between U.S. and Mexican animal health experts to battle the New World Screwworm. More than 100 million sterile flies have been dispersed weekly, and with no notable increase or northward movement of screwworm cases, the USDA says it’s ready to cautiously resume cattle, bison, and equine imports at key entry points. This is a big step forward for ranchers and livestock businesses that have faced disruptions and export losses since the May closures. The reopening should stabilize animal supply chains and benefit border community economies.

Another impactful development: SNAP benefits are rising to a new maximum of $1,751 per month for eligible households starting this July, the highest allotment in the program’s history. This increase comes in response to a 12–15% jump in food prices since early 2024 and is intended to help low-income families meet basic nutritional needs. The USDA’s move aims to strengthen food security and offset the dual pressures of inflation and higher grocery costs for millions of American families.

In policy news, Secretary Rollins has rolled back several department-specific NEPA regulations, consolidating and streamlining the environmental review process. According to Rollins, this will mean a 66% reduction in USDA regulations, cutting back on “red tape that is killing jobs and raising prices” and allowing projects related to agriculture and rural development to move forward faster. This regulatory shift could expedite infrastructure and land management projects, unleashing investment but also raising concerns among environmental groups about the potential for insufficient oversight.

July also brings updated lending rates from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, supporting farmers with more accessible credit. Direct operating loans stand at 5%, while down payment loans are as low as 1.875%. These rates aim to encourage farm expansion, equipment purchases, and cash-flow management at a time when input costs are climbing.

Looking ahead, school nutrition standards are set for phased updates between fall 2025 and fall 2027. The USDA will limit added sugars in school meals and implement sodium reductions, but no immediate menu changes are required for the coming school year. This gradual timeline reflects input from schools and the food industry, balancing health goals with practical implementation.

Additionally, American poultry producers will soon gain new export access to Namibia, opening fresh markets for U.S. farmers. Domestically, the USDA and the state of Montana have signed a Shared Stewardship agreement, aiming to improve forest management and wildfire preparedness through state-federal cooperation.

All

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The biggest headline from the USDA this week is the announcement from Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins that several southern ports along the U.S.-Mexico border will begin a phased reopening for livestock trade starting July 7. This comes after nearly two months of closure due to concerns about the New World Screwworm. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, in partnership with Mexican authorities, ramped up surveillance and eradication efforts, including dispersing over 100 million sterile flies each week to stop the pest’s spread. Thanks to these collaborative efforts and no new cases detected moving north in the last eight weeks, ports like Douglas, Arizona, will welcome livestock imports once again, with more openings to follow in New Mexico throughout July.

For ranchers, farmers, and the broader livestock sector, this reopening is not just an economic relief—it’s a validation of how international cooperation and science-based safeguards keep risks at bay. State and local governments in the Southwest stand to benefit from the resumption of commerce, while American consumers may see improved supply stability. According to Secretary Rollins, “This decision reflects the success of science-driven, risk-based safeguards and a strong partnership with our neighbors in Mexico.”

In policy news, Secretary Rollins also announced a major move to roll back cumbersome environmental regulations under the National Environmental Policy Act, cutting departmental NEPA rules by 66 percent. The goal, she says, is to speed up critical infrastructure and energy projects and cut red tape that has cost jobs and raised prices. “We have been hamstrung by overly burdensome regulations for decades,” Rollins said, emphasizing that these changes will modernize NEPA while still honoring the Department’s legacy of land stewardship. For businesses and local governments, this means faster decisions and potentially lower costs when working with USDA on projects from rural broadband to forest management.

In other developments, the USDA’s July 2025 lending rates are now published, including direct farm operating loans at 5 percent and ownership loans at 5.875 percent. The availability of these loans is vital for America’s family farmers and ranchers, especially as they navigate a mixed crop outlook. The USDA’s recent acreage report showed corn plantings at just over 95 million acres—the largest since 2013—which signals optimism for a strong harvest, barring weather issues. However, some experts warn that soybean acres could fall short due to planting delays, meaning any drought or storm could still shake markets.

For parents and educators, it’s worth noting that updates to school meal nutrition standards will phase in gradually between fall 2025 and 2027, focusing on reducing added sugars and sodium. No menu changes are required for the upcoming school year, giving schools and food providers time to adapt and prepare.

Looking ahead, keep an eye on the

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USDA made headlines this week with a major announcement from Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins: the United States has secured new trade wins to boost agricultural exports to Brazil, Thailand, and Vietnam. According to the USDA, Brazil has lifted its suspension on Agropur, a U.S. dairy company, which allows the resumption of whey protein concentrate exports—an $83 million market last year. In Thailand, the reopening of the market for apples from eastern U.S. states is expected to bring in an additional $5 million annually for American growers. These developments follow targeted action by Foreign Agricultural Service and underline the department’s renewed focus on expanding export markets, after concerns about previous years’ trade deficits.

For businesses and farmers, this means immediate on-the-ground impacts. Whey producers regain vital international customers, and apple growers from Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia now have new sales pipelines. As Secretary Rollins put it, America is “cutting unnecessary red tape, empowering businesses to operate more efficiently, and strengthening American agriculture—all while upholding the highest food safety standards.”

In domestic policy, the USDA announced it will eliminate over 145 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-focused awards, redirecting nearly $149 million, as the department pivots to what Rollins calls “putting the business of agriculture first.” This move is raising questions among advocacy groups about the potential impact on underserved communities, while the department emphasizes a renewed focus on core farming priorities and risk management tools.

Another headline policy change is the rescinding of the Roadless Rule, which effectively opens almost 59 million acres of forest land—previously off-limits—to road construction, timber harvest, and more flexible land management. Proponents say this will create economic opportunities and jobs in rural areas, but critics warn of environmental risks and lasting ecosystem impacts.

On the regulatory front, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is fast-tracking rules to allow higher processing line speeds for pork and poultry facilities, aiming to meet supply demands and reduce industry costs. The department also dropped requirements for redundant worker safety reporting, citing research that found no link between higher line speeds and injuries. This is expected to make U.S. food production more competitive, though worker safety groups are watching closely.

The USDA’s recently announced 2025 budget, totaling $213.3 billion, includes robust support for climate smart agriculture and conservation, but some pending proposals could trim or reorient these efforts. Policy analysts are monitoring the ongoing debate over whether nutrition and agricultural programs should remain together or be split, as suggested by Project 2025 from the Heritage Foundation. Changes here could reshape the safety net for millions of Americans, from S

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The big headline out of the Department of Agriculture this week: Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has announced sweeping changes to the USDA’s team, unveiling a new slate of presidential appointments at key positions. Secretary Rollins emphasized that these appointments are about “putting Farmers First,” underscoring the department’s commitment to supporting American producers in a rapidly changing global landscape. Among the new faces is Chris Berardi, who comes aboard as Senior Legislative Advisor, bringing expertise from both federal policy and the nonprofit sector. Brandon Borke also joins as Legislative Advisor, drawing on over a decade of frontline political and nonprofit leadership.

Policy-wise, the USDA is making waves on several fronts. In the ongoing battle against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or HPAI, Secretary Rollins provided an update on the department’s five-pronged strategy. Since the USDA increased indemnity payouts in February, over $70 million has been distributed directly to poultry producers hit by bird flu—accelerating efforts to repopulate flocks. USDA has also slashed regulatory red tape, extended critical line speed waivers, and withdrawn a controversial Salmonella rule to help stabilize egg supplies and ease costs for consumers. On the innovation front, the USDA’s Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge received an incredible 417 proposals requesting nearly $800 million in funding, with awards expected this fall. In response to supply disruptions, the agency has approved new facilities and ramped up imports, bringing in more than 40 million eggs so far this year from partners like Brazil, Mexico, and South Korea.

Turning to livestock, the latest cattle-on-feed report for June shows U.S. inventories sitting just below last year’s levels, with marketings and placements both down. However, historically high front-end inventories and significant regional disparities—particularly in Texas and the Midwest—are shaping current trends and prices.

Looking at USDA’s financing programs, June also brought news of favorable loan rates for producers. Direct farm operating loans are holding at five percent, and farm ownership loans at 5.75 percent, offering critical support for farmers planning expansions, equipment purchases, or new ventures. These accessible loans are vital for the next generation of producers and established operations alike, helping to buffer cash flow and encourage investment during a season of price and weather volatility.

All these changes impact American families by aiming to control food costs, keep grocery shelves stocked, and respond quickly to disease outbreaks. For businesses, updates in regulatory relief and financial support mean smoother operations and more flexibility amid ongoing market challenges. State and local governments benefit from increased coordination and resource allocation, especially around animal health and food safety, while international partners see the U.S. working proa

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Welcome back to the USDA Weekly Update, where we break down the latest moves from the Department of Agriculture and how they touch your life. Our top story this week: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has announced a major shakeup, cutting more than 145 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or DEI-focused awards, resulting in a savings of nearly $149 million for the department. Secretary Rollins said the move is about “putting American Farmers First,” arguing that these funds were being spent on what she called “woke DEI propaganda” and will now be redirected to support core agricultural priorities.

Among the programs on the chopping block were initiatives for socially disadvantaged farmers, urban forestry models aimed at environmental justice, and efforts to expand land and market access for underserved producers. For American citizens, especially those in historically underserved communities, this signals a significant funding shift. Businesses and organizations focused on environmental justice or food equity will need to adjust, while traditional producers may see more direct support. Some state and local governments that relied on these federal funds for targeted conservation or outreach may need to seek new partners.

Internationally, the department is touting new trade wins. President Trump and Secretary Rollins secured greater U.S. agricultural market access in Brazil, Thailand, and Vietnam. For example, the Brazilian government just lifted a suspension on U.S. whey protein concentrate exports, restoring access to a market worth $83 million last year, while Thailand reopened its doors to eastern U.S. apples—a potential $5 million boost annually. These trade developments could mean better prices for farmers and a more competitive U.S. agricultural sector on the world stage.

On the regulatory front, USDA is implementing gradual updates to school nutrition standards. No changes are required for the coming school year, giving schools and the food industry time to adapt. Starting in July 2025, added sugar limits will take effect for foods like breakfast cereals and flavored milk, with broader restrictions phased in by 2027. USDA says these moves are grounded in feedback from schools and child nutrition professionals to make the transition workable and positive for kids’ health.

In research, the department announced it will halt grants related to “gain of function” research for projects submitted after June 20, 2025. This follows a recent Executive Order focused on the safety and security of biological research.

Looking ahead, Secretary Rollins is hitting the road for trade missions to Japan, Vietnam, India, Peru, and Brazil, aiming to secure more export opportunities for American producers. At home, keep an eye on the phase-in for new nutrition standards and upcoming updates to the 2025-2030 dietary guidelines, which could further shape school meals and food policy.

For more on these changes, advice on how they may impact you, or

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Welcome to the Ag Watch podcast, where we break down the latest headlines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and what they mean for you. This week’s biggest news comes straight from Washington: USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced the termination of more than 145 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion awards, resulting in a savings of nearly $149 million. The department states this move is aimed at “putting core agriculture first,” as Secretary Rollins explained, with a renewed focus on traditional farming priorities. This decision has sparked strong reactions—critics worry about support for underserved communities while supporters cheer the budget realignment as overdue.

On the international front, American farmers just got a boost. The USDA secured expanded market access for U.S. agricultural products in Thailand and Vietnam. Thailand has reopened its doors to apples from the eastern U.S.—that’s expected to add $5 million in annual exports. Meanwhile, Brazil has lifted its suspension on American whey protein concentrate after quick action from USDA offices. Last year, the U.S. exported $83 million worth of this product to Brazil. These trade wins are significant for U.S. producers and mean broader choice and potentially more stable prices for consumers.

Domestically, new nutrition standards for school meals will begin phasing in, starting with limits on added sugars for cereals, yogurt, and flavored milk in 2025, and progressing to broader limits by 2027. Importantly, there will be no immediate menu changes required for the coming 2024-25 school year, giving schools and food companies time to adapt. The USDA promises ongoing funding and technical support for schools during the transition.

In crop news, the USDA’s latest report pegs both corn and wheat supplies lower than expected, with wheat production forecast up 2% from last year. Farmgate prices are projected at $4.20 per bushel for corn and $5.40 for wheat, slightly higher than previous forecasts. These changes could mean higher prices at the grocery store, but also improved margins for American producers.

Looking ahead, watch for new dietary guidelines from the USDA set to release later this year—these will impact everything from school lunches to SNAP benefits. For those wanting to engage, USDA is hosting public comment periods on upcoming rule changes and is actively inviting feedback from families, schools, and industry.

For more information, check out USDA’s press releases online or visit your local USDA office. If you’re a parent, a farmer, or just a citizen who cares about the food on your table, now is a great time to get informed and make your voice heard. Stay tuned for more updates next week on Ag Watch.

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The biggest news from the USDA this week is the department’s decision to terminate over 145 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-focused awards, saving nearly $149 million. Announcing the move, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said, “Putting core agricultural needs first means ensuring that our resources are used where farmers, producers, and rural communities need them most.” This signals a major shift in spending priorities, with funds redirected toward core agricultural programs, operational efficiency, and research that directly supports farmers.

In market news, USDA’s latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report shows lower than expected U.S. corn and wheat ending stocks for the 2025/26 marketing year. Corn ending stocks dropped by 50 million bushels, and wheat exports for the 2024/25 crop have been raised to 820 million bushels. The average farm gate price for wheat ticked up to $5.40 per bushel, reflecting tighter supplies. Crop conditions look steady, with winter wheat production up 2% over last year and yields increasing as well. These adjustments are important for both growers and agribusinesses, with market analysts calling the June numbers “neutral—not good but not bad.” Internationally, the USDA announced expanded market access for U.S. agricultural producers in Thailand and Vietnam, while continuing stable trade with Brazil. Breaking down trade barriers is expected to boost American exports and strengthen the farm economy at a critical time.

On the regulatory front, the department is supporting the EPA’s implementation of record-high biofuel blending requirements, a major win for corn and soy growers and the renewable fuels industry. And in a long-anticipated environmental decision, the USDA’s Forest Service released the final impact statement and draft record of decision for the Resolution Copper Mining Project, with public input still being accepted—communities near the proposed mine should pay close attention and submit comments before the final ruling.

Big changes are coming to school meals as well, but not right away. The USDA clarified that new nutrition standards, including a phased sodium reduction and added sugar limits, will roll out gradually from fall 2025 through 2027. No changes are required for the upcoming school year, giving schools and the food industry time to adapt.

Looking ahead, keep an eye out for the 2025–2030 dietary guidelines set for release later this year, which will shape nutrition policies nationwide. Citizens can get more information or share feedback by visiting usda.gov or checking out the public comment portals for ongoing projects. If you’re a grower, food business, or parent, these developments will influence what’s on your table and how American agriculture grows in the months to come. Follow along for updates, and don’t forget to lend your voice where public input is open—your perspective matters in shaping our food and farming future.

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Welcome to the USDA Weekly Brief, where we decode the latest headlines from the Department of Agriculture and what they mean for you and your community. Our top story this week—big changes are coming to what’s on American plates, especially for kids and families relying on federal nutrition programs.

The USDA just announced significant state-level waivers under the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, removing certain unhealthy foods from SNAP benefits in Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah, joining earlier adopters including Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska. Secretary Rollins described this as “a critical step to support healthier choices and improve long-term public health outcomes.” The move is expected to spark debate, but supporters point to rising healthcare costs linked to poor nutrition as a key motivator.

For schools, the USDA has finalized its phased updates to school nutrition standards, with no menu changes required for the coming 2024-25 year. However, starting in fall 2025, breakfast cereals, yogurt, and flavored milk will see new limits on added sugars, and an overall cap on added sugars across meals will go into effect in 2027. This gradual rollout is designed to give schools and the food industry time to adapt, with USDA pledging ongoing support through funding, training, and technical assistance.

On the farm, USDA’s June WASDE report cut corn ending stocks and nudged up wheat export estimates. U.S. farm gate prices for wheat are now pegged at $5.40 per bushel, reflecting both resilient yields and global market pressures. Meanwhile, disaster aid remains a hot-button issue—$21 billion in expedited relief is rolling out, with livestock producers already receiving payments ahead of schedule. USDA Director of Communications Seth Christensen emphasized that “Secretary Rollins remains focused on getting farmers the support they need, despite political stunts that risk delaying urgent aid.”

For ag producers, June lending rates for operating loans are set at 5%, with special rates as low as 1.75% for down payment loans. This affordable financing supports new and expanding family farms, helping stabilize rural economies.

So, what does all this mean? For citizens, expect a gradual but lasting impact on food choices and school meals, plus a renewed focus on health outcomes. Businesses and farmers will navigate new loan rates, disaster aid, and shifting demand tied to SNAP and school nutrition changes. Local and state governments will be key partners in rolling out new standards and waivers, while internationally, U.S. crop supply and export adjustments will ripple across global markets.

Looking ahead, watch for public meetings and opportunities to comment as school meal standards evolve, and check the USDA’s online dashboards for the latest on disaster aid and nutrition programs. If you’re a parent, farmer, or business owner, stay engaged—your feedback and participation help shape these policies.

For more information, visit usda.gov or connect

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