# USDA UPDATE: May 21, 2025

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Welcome to this week's USDA Update. I'm your host, bringing you the latest developments from the Department of Agriculture. Our top story: The USDA has opened enrollment for both General and Continuous Conservation Reserve Program through June 6th.

This flagship conservation program, celebrating its 40th anniversary, provides financial and technical support to producers who convert unproductive cropland to beneficial vegetative cover. FSA Administrator Bill Beam notes, "With 1.8 million acres available this fiscal year, we're bumping against the 27-million-acre statutory cap. We're prioritizing mindful conservation efforts to maximize return on investment."

In other news, 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 help producers access capital for expansion or meeting cash flow needs.

The department's latest crop progress report indicates half the country's corn crop is already out of the ground as of May 18th, showing strong early season development across many growing regions.

Last month, the USDA made a significant policy shift by canceling the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative and replacing it with the Advancing Markets for Producers program. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins explained, "The concerns of farmers took a backseat during the Biden Administration. We're redirecting our efforts to set our farmers up for an unprecedented era of prosperity."

The new program prioritizes direct benefits to farmers, requiring at least 65% of federal funds go to producers. The department will honor all eligible expenses incurred prior to April 13th.

For farmers and landowners, these changes mean greater focus on practical support with less paperwork and more direct funding. The June 6th deadline for CRP enrollment is particularly important for those with marginal cropland who could benefit from program participation.

Looking ahead, industry watchers anticipate possible biofuel guidance announcements in the coming weeks. Additionally, the 2025-2030 dietary guidelines are expected to be issued soon, which will set nutrition standards for federal nutrition programs.

For more information on any of these programs or to apply for CRP enrollment before the June 6th deadline, contact your local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov.

Until next week, this has been your USDA Update.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI