# USDA TODAY PODCAST SCRIPT - JUNE 04, 2025

HOST: Welcome to USDA Today, your quick briefing on agriculture policy and rural America. I'm your host, bringing you the latest from the Department of Agriculture on this Wednesday, June 4th, 2025.

Our top story today: The USDA has dropped rules requiring farmers to record their use of the most toxic pesticides. This significant policy shift eliminates documentation requirements that many agricultural producers had considered burdensome.

In leadership news, the Trump Administration has appointed Ronald Garrett as the new State Executive Director for USDA's Farm Service Agency in North Carolina. Garrett will oversee FSA programs at the state level, working directly with farmers and ranchers.

Meanwhile, farmers affected by natural disasters can expect relief soon. Congress has earmarked $2 billion for livestock losses due to droughts, wildfires, and floods, with the first round of livestock disaster aid announced just yesterday.

Budget concerns are mounting as USDA's proposed plan for fiscal year 2026 would eliminate all discretionary funding for Conservation Technical Assistance - a staggering cut from $776.5 million to zero. This would also eliminate over 2,500 staff positions. The plan suggests greater reliance on states, local conservation districts, and NGOs to support farmers.

FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux reminds producers: "Our safety-net programs provide critical financial protections against commodity market volatilities for many American farmers, so don't delay enrollment."

For those who haven't yet enrolled, the 2025 Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs remain open until April 15, while Dairy Margin Coverage enrollment closes March 31.

The latest Crop Progress report released Monday shows variable field conditions nationwide, with detailed data on days suitable for fieldwork across all agricultural states - critical information as we enter the summer growing season.

Looking ahead, these policy changes will significantly impact agricultural producers across America, potentially reducing regulatory burden for some while creating gaps in conservation support for others. State and local governments may need to increase their agricultural support services to fill the void left by federal cuts.

For more information on any of these developments, visit usda.gov or contact your local FSA office. USDA invites public input on proposed budget changes through upcoming listening sessions.

That's all for today's USDA briefing. Join us next week for more agricultural news and policy updates. I'm [Host Name], and this has been USDA Today.

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