# USDA Weekly Update Podcast Script

Welcome to the USDA Weekly Update, where we bring you the latest developments from the Department of Agriculture. I'm your host, and today we have several important stories to cover.

Our top headline this week: The USDA has issued a public health alert for ground beef products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. This alert, released on June 4th, concerns products from NPC Processing Inc. If you've recently purchased ground beef, please check the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service website for affected products and proper handling instructions.

In financial news, on June 2nd, Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the June 2025 lending rates for agricultural producers. Farm Operating Loans are set at 5% while Farm Ownership Loans stand at 5.75%. These loans provide critical access to capital for farmers looking to start or expand operations, purchase equipment, or meet cash flow needs.

The USDA also released its first Crop Progress Report of June, showing that 84% of soybeans across top growing states have been planted as of June 1st, which is ahead of the five-year average of 80%. This suggests a strong start to the growing season despite challenging weather conditions in some regions.

On the policy front, Secretary Rollins announced the release of Emergency Livestock Relief Program payments last week to cover grazing losses due to drought or wildfire events in 2023 and 2024. These funds provide much-needed support to ranchers who have faced significant challenges.

The department is also navigating potential budget changes. A controversial proposal would slash Conservation Technical Assistance funding from $776.5 million in FY 2025 to zero in FY 2026, eliminating over 2,500 staff positions. This plan would shift more responsibility to states and local conservation districts for providing farmer assistance.

In international developments, Secretary Rollins recently announced increased market access for American dairy producers in Costa Rica, which has approved the first U.S. dairy facility under their new streamlined approval process. Additionally, the USDA continues its partnership with Mexico to combat the New World Screwworm, with Rollins holding talks with her Mexican counterpart last week.

For those looking ahead, the 2025-2030 dietary guidelines are expected soon and will set nutrition standards for federal nutrition programs. The USDA is also focusing on post-market assessment of chemicals in food, with particular attention to food additives and contaminants.

For more information on any of these stories, visit usda.gov or contact your local USDA Service Center. This has been the USDA Weekly Update. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next week.

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