Today’s most headline-grabbing development from the USDA comes from Secretary Brooke Rollins, who just unveiled a major overhaul to the department’s National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, regulations. According to Secretary Rollins, this reform trims away decades of what she calls “overly burdensome” red tape, aiming to unleash innovation and accelerate crucial infrastructure and energy projects in rural America. Rollins said, “USDA is updating and modernizing NEPA so projects critical to the health of our forests and prosperity of rural America are not stymied and delayed for years,” echoing President Trump’s wider agenda to streamline government and cut regulatory obstacles. Practically, this means USDA has consolidated seven different agency-specific NEPA rules into one, reducing the regulatory footprint by 66 percent and, in theory, expediting project approvals while still honoring environmental protections.

In other key updates, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is pushing forward on food safety with a ramped-up Listeria testing effort. Over 23,000 samples have been tested for Listeria this year, a more than 200 percent jump from 2024, and the agency is opening a new state-of-the-art laboratory near St. Louis, Missouri, to boost capacity. This will help safeguard ready-to-eat meat and poultry and support a 52 percent increase in on-site food safety assessments. For businesses, particularly those in food production, this means more vigilant government oversight but also a modernized, more responsive food safety system.

Turning to agriculture policy and the markets, the July World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates show the USDA kept corn and soybean yield estimates steady, but U.S. corn ending stocks for 2025-2026 are now lower by 90 million bushels, reflecting rising exports and tighter supply. Wheat ending stocks are also down slightly, according to recent USDA reports out of Washington. For producers and agricultural businesses, these numbers influence prices and signal continued strong export demand, which is especially good news for the Midwest grain belt.

School nutrition is another area with meaningful change ahead. Starting next year, schools will see new, phased-in limits on added sugars in breakfast cereals, milk, and yogurt, with even more comprehensive restrictions coming in 2027. No changes will be required for menus next school year, but USDA will ramp up support through training and equipment funding. These nutrition updates aim to align with evolving public health guidance and are designed in consultation with schools and the food industry so implementation is gradual.

Budget-wise, the department’s strategic priorities for 2025 include climate-smart agriculture, advancing environmental justice, opening new market opportunities, combating food insecurity, and making USDA an even better place to work. These investments aim not only to strengthen the U.S. food system but also to support underserved communities and drive rural economic growth.

What does all this mean for listeners? For families and children, improved food safety and healthier school meals. For farmers and agribusiness, streamlined regulation and stronger export opportunities. For state and local governments, new funding streams and clearer rules. On the international stage, these developments reaffirm America’s leadership in both food safety and agricultural production.

Timeline-wise, the NEPA reforms will take effect upon publication in the Federal Register, with school meal changes starting next summer and then rolling out through 2027. Citizens can get involved by joining USDA’s ongoing public consultations or tracking local initiatives via usda.gov.

Keep an eye out for upcoming hearings on food safety and further updates to environmental guidelines as the USDA’s reforms roll out. For more details on anything we discussed today or to submit feedback on new USDA proposals, visit usda.gov. Don’t miss future episodes—subscribe to stay ahead on all things ag and food policy.

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Today’s top story from the Department of Agriculture: Secretary Brooke Rollins has just launched a sweeping new plan to fortify the nation’s meat, poultry, and egg safety. At the ceremonial opening of the new 70,000-square-foot Midwestern Food Safety Laboratory in Normandy, Missouri, Secretary Rollins unveiled a host of upgrades designed to make America’s food some of the safest in the world.

The heart of this effort is a dramatic boost in microbiological testing, especially targeting Listeria—a bacterium that can be deadly in ready-to-eat foods. According to the USDA, inspectors will now use modernized lab equipment, and the number of Listeria tests has more than doubled this year, with over 23,000 samples already analyzed. The Food Safety and Inspection Service, or FSIS, is also ramping up detailed, in-person Food Safety Assessments—a 52% increase over last year. To make it all work, inspector training is getting a reboot, with over 5,200 USDA inspectors engaging in a new weekly questionnaire system capturing real-time Listeria data.

But it’s not just federal labs seeing change. The USDA is investing $14.5 million through newly updated cooperative agreements with all 29 participating states, creating stronger partnerships for food safety oversight. These measures are set to raise consumer confidence and protect public health nationwide. In the words of Secretary Rollins, “We feed the world. We lead the world. And we’ll never let foreign adversaries control our land, our labs, or our livelihoods.” That commitment was reinforced last week, when USDA and the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security jointly announced a National Farm Security Action Plan in response to recent agrotech sabotage attempts by foreign nationals—a sobering reminder that food safety is truly a matter of national security.

For American citizens, these initiatives mean not just safer food but greater trust in what’s on their tables. Businesses from packing plants to small farms will see stricter oversight but also new partnerships and funding to help them adapt. State governments benefit from more robust federal support, while the international community gets a clear signal: U.S. agricultural standards are only getting tougher.

Elsewhere at USDA, school nutrition standards are getting an update—the agency announced added sugar limits for breakfast cereals, yogurt, and flavored milk, phased in between 2025 and 2027, giving schools and manufacturers time to adjust and reformulate products to keep meals healthy without disrupting students’ routines.

Meanwhile, the agency has published this month’s loan rates, with farm operating loans at 5.0% and ownership loans starting at under 2% for some down-payment programs. If you’re a producer, check your eligibility or use the new online Loan Assistance Tool at farmers.gov.

Looking forward, stay tuned for further collaboration between USDA and local partners as these food safety and nutrition rules roll out. For updates on public meetings and ways to weigh in, head to usda.gov or your nearest USDA service center.

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Listeners, the major headline from the USDA this week is the launch of enrollment for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program. Starting July 14 through August 8, agricultural producers and landowners can sign up to protect vital grasslands. This voluntary, working-lands effort supports both productive agriculture and environmental stewardship, delivering tools and incentives for farmers to conserve grasslands while maintaining livestock operations. It's a win for rural economies and wildlife habitat alike. According to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, this program is designed to “enable participants to conserve grasslands while maintaining the areas as working lands,” reinforcing the commitment to both conservation and agricultural productivity.

But that’s just one of several significant developments. The USDA also announced this month that interest rates for farm operating and ownership loans are now set at 5% and 5.875%, respectively. These financing options give family farmers essential capital to start, expand, or stabilize their operations at a time when credit costs are rising elsewhere. According to USDA officials, using online tools like the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov can help eligible producers navigate these options with greater confidence and transparency.

Turning to disaster relief, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins recently announced an expedited rollout of $16 billion in disaster assistance for producers hit by natural disasters over the last two years. Farmers can begin applying for this support at their local USDA county offices, with prefilled applications already being distributed. As Secretary Rollins put it, “We are taking swift action to ensure farmers will have the resources they need to continue to produce the safest, most reliable, and most abundant food supply in the world.” Over $7.8 billion has already been disbursed nationwide, and a second sign-up phase for additional losses is scheduled for early fall.

Meanwhile, big structural changes are happening at USDA headquarters. A sweeping reorganization aims to trim nearly 16% of the agency’s workforce—about 16,000 jobs—through buyouts and office closures. Secretary Rollins has described this move as cutting “layers of bureaucracy,” citing the need for greater efficiency, but some worry about its impact on service delivery and employee morale.

For schools and parents, the USDA’s new school nutrition standards will phase in limits on added sugars and sodium over the next two years, but there will be no changes to school menus this coming academic year. These phased updates aim to balance healthier meals for students with time for schools and industry to adapt.

State and local governments will feel the effects of SNAP cost-sharing and regulatory changes—from shifting administrative costs back to states to new eligibility rules that could affect both budgets and benefits for low-income families. International trade and food import policy are also in the spotlight, with the department confirming that this year’s specialty sugar imports will be capped to protect domestic producers, aligning with America’s trade agreements but responding to what USDA described as “devastating impacts” on American sugar farmers.

If you’re a producer interested in conservation funding, check out the Grassland CRP enrollment period through your local USDA office or online. Those impacted by storms or crop losses—disaster assistance applications are open now. For school officials and parents, stay tuned as sodium and sugar guidelines roll out by 2027. USDA is actively seeking public feedback on several programs, so look for comment periods on their website.

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This week, the most significant development from the Department of Agriculture is the July USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. U.S. crop markets are absorbing some interesting twists: corn yields are holding firm at 181 bushels per acre, and soybeans at 52.5, but overall production for both crops declined slightly due to reduced harvested acreage. Corn production now stands at 15.7 billion bushels, while soybeans are at 4.34 billion. Notably, corn ending stocks dropped by 90 million bushels this month, but soybean stocks actually rose by 15 million. Wheat ending stocks dipped to 890 million, slightly down from June. According to Agriculture of America, these adjustments are shaping not just commodity prices but also the strategic decisions of farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers nationwide.

In policy news, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a sweeping rollback of National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, regulations. The department is moving from seven separate agency-specific NEPA rules to one streamlined system, a 66% reduction in total regulations. Rollins says this removes unnecessary “red tape that is killing jobs and raising prices for Americans,” aiming to speed up rural infrastructure and energy projects that used to get bogged down in long environmental reviews. She emphasized, “USDA is updating and modernizing NEPA so projects critical to the health of our forests and prosperity of rural America are not stymied and delayed for years.” This change is expected to have an immediate impact, making it easier for American businesses, especially in rural and agricultural sectors, to move projects forward, and is poised to generate both local and national economic benefits.

For American families, the USDA is also addressing food policy transparency. The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans are anticipated soon, with Secretary Rollins and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. pledging guidelines that are “sound, simple, and clear,” likely no more than five pages in plain English. Kennedy says, “We’re going to give people dietary guidelines that are four to five pages written in plain English that people can understand.” A critical focus will be on the reduction of ultra-processed foods, and HHS will soon launch a public campaign on that front. The guidelines, due by December 31, 2025, could reshape school lunch menus, nutrition programs, and even consumer products.

Schools and parents should watch for phased updates to school nutrition standards. Starting next school year, limits on added sugars in cereals, yogurt, and flavored milk will roll out, followed in 2027 by a 10 percent weekly calorie cap from added sugars.

On the financial front, the Farm Service Agency announced July’s loan rates: operating loans now stand at 5%, while farm ownership loans are at 5.875%. Lower rates for joint financing and down payment support remain, and emergency loans are available at 3.75%. These rates create new opportunities for producers to secure the capital they need to expand or upgrade operations.

Farmers, local officials, and business owners should monitor the rollout of these new rules and rates, as they could affect everything from infrastructure plans to food sourcing decisions. The new NEPA interim rule is available for review, and the department encourages feedback once officially published in the Federal Register.

For updates, listeners can visit usda.gov or contact their local USDA Service Center. If you want your voice heard on upcoming dietary guidelines, watch for future comment opportunities.

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The most significant headline from the Department of Agriculture this week: Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has taken bold new steps to protect American farmland and food supply by launching the National Farm Security Action Plan. This plan is designed to confront the real and growing threats posed by foreign adversaries—ranging from farmland purchases to cyberattacks on our food system. According to the USDA, a new searchable Foreign Farm Land Purchases map has just gone live, making it easier for the public and policymakers to see what’s at stake. In her own words, Secretary Rollins emphasized, “Gone are the days of foreign adversaries taking advantage of our farmland, farmers, and programs paid for by American taxpayers…We will continue to restore farm security and expose the extent to which our adversaries have targeted American agriculture.”

Security is just one pillar of this week’s activity. The USDA also announced it is streamlining environmental regulations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), rescinding seven agency-specific rules that had created a tangle of red tape. Secretary Rollins said these changes will cut regulations by 66%, allowing rural communities to speed up projects like infrastructure and energy development, while still honoring the department’s legacy of land stewardship. This regulatory shift is aimed at making the USDA more responsive, efficient, and focused on essential services for farmers and ranchers across the country.

Budget priorities have also shifted with over $16 billion in disaster relief headed to farmers hit by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. The Supplemental Disaster Relief Program opens first-stage applications this week, promising faster turnaround and simplified paperwork. Over $7.8 billion has already reached more than half a million producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, highlighting the scale of federal support.

For those in the agricultural business, lending rates for July 2025 have also been set. The Farm Service Agency’s Operating Loans are at 5.000%, while Ownership Loans are 5.875%. For new and beginning farmers, special down payment loans carry an even lower 1.875% interest. These rates are vital for planning and expansion, especially as weather-related uncertainties continue to impact market conditions.

Nutrition and public health remain front and center, with changes to school meal standards phased in over the next two years. Schools will not need to adjust menus for the coming academic year, but starting July 2025, stricter limits on added sugars in certain foods will take effect, followed by more comprehensive sodium and sugar reductions by 2027. The USDA is working closely with states and local governments to ensure a smooth transition, providing funding for kitchen equipment, training, and technical support.

These developments have direct impacts on families—making school meals healthier and safer, safeguarding jobs in rural economies, and ensuring farmers can recover from disasters more quickly. For businesses, streamlined regulations mean less waiting and more opportunity for investment. States gain new tools for protecting farmland and monitoring foreign ownership. Internationally, these moves signal a more assertive U.S. stance on food security and fair trade.

Listeners interested in these programs or wanting to report concerns, especially related to foreign purchases of farmland, can visit the new USDA web portal. Farmers needing disaster relief should contact their local FSA office, and families curious about changing school meals can reach out to district nutrition professionals.

As deadlines approach for disaster assistance and the rollout of new security measures, we’ll be watching closely for further updates from Secretary Rollins and the USDA. For more information on any of these initiatives, check out the USDA’s official site or visit your local service center.

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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 the USDA website or reach out to local USDA service centers. Your voice matters—especially as these policies shape the future of food and farming.

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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 market access and food safety upgrades. State and local governments can expect more collaborative approaches in land management and public health, while internationally, these reforms are designed to keep American agriculture competitive.

To stay involved, producers and citizens can explore resources like the Loan Assistance Tool at farmers.gov, follow USDA press releases, and participate in public comment periods for new regulations. For most, the immediate impact will be felt in the speed of project approvals and in the evolving standards on food and nutrition.

Looking ahead, keep an eye on upcoming USDA public comment opportunities for environmental reforms, the detailed rollout of new school nutrition standards, and the impact of acreage and lending data on regional economies. For more information, visit farmers.gov or your local USDA service center.

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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 these developments have wide-reaching impacts—from providing financial relief to families, giving certainty and opportunity to ag businesses, and supporting state and local government efforts, to expanding America’s agricultural footprint abroad.

Citizens who want to learn more or engage with USDA programs can visit usda.gov or their local USDA Service Centers. Key regulatory changes, such as the NEPA revisions, are open for public comment, so now’s the time to weigh in.

Stay tuned for upcoming deadlines on loans and watch for phased rollouts of school nutrition updates. For more on these stories or to leave feedback, check out usda.gov.

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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 official Federal Register for the interim final rule on NEPA reforms, and for those affected by livestock trade, follow USDA and APHIS updates on southern port timelines. Farmers and ranchers seeking financial support can find loan resources and step-by-step guides on farmers.gov.

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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 SNAP benefits to farm support programs.

Looking ahead, USDA is conducting trade missions to Japan, Vietnam, India, Peru, and Brazil this year, opening more doors for U.S. agriculture. Farmers and businesses are encouraged to access new online tools for loans and risk management through their local USDA service centers or farmers.gov. Interested citizens can follow upcoming rulemakings on food safety or forest management and provide public comment where invited.

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