Secretary Rollins Hosts Farmers First Roundtable, Announces Expedited Disaster Aid
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today held the inaugural Farmers First roundtable at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Secretary Rollins hosted Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, the Board of Directors for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), and over 20 farmers and ranchers from 11 states who run smaller-scale, independent, family-owned operations. These operations are at the heart of American agriculture and their continued success is critical for the economic viability of the industry.
Read More
Navigating Trade Negotiations Under The Trump Administration
The Secretary of Agriculture says it’s a new day for trade negotiations in America.
USDA’s Brooke Rollins says members of the Trump administration have been working around the clock to finalize new trade deals. “What normally would take 2 years to reach a trade agreement, we’re doing in the course of 30, 60, and 90 days,” she says.
Read More
Louisiana Officials Lament Loss of USDA Money to Help Schools, Food Banks Buy From Local Farmers
Louisiana lawmakers are asking Congress to bring back a $1 billion federal program that allows schools, child care programs, and food banks to purchase locally grown produce and protein.
The Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program and Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, both administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, were axed in March as part of the Trump administration’s move to reduce federal government spending.
Read More
Louisiana Crop Progress & Condition
This report contains the results from the Crop Progress and Condition weekly survey. The survey is completed by parish extension agents’ visual observations and contact with producers in their parish.
Read More
More Than 15,000 USDA Employees Have Taken Trump Financial Incentive to Leave
More than 15,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture employees have taken one of the Trump administration’s two financial incentive offers to leave the agency, according to a readout from a USDA briefing with congressional staff seen by Reuters.
The sum represents about 15% of the USDA’s total workforce.
President Donald Trump’s administration has offered federal employees several months of pay and benefits if they opt to leave their jobs as part of his effort with billionaire ally Elon Musk to shrink the federal workforce.
Read More
Secretary Rollins Announces New State Directors for FSA, Rural Development
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced the latest slate of presidential appointments for key Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development (RD) State Director roles.
Read More
Letlow Praises Appointment of Craig McCain as Louisiana FSA Head
Congresswoman Julia Letlow released the following statement praising the appointment of Craig McCain to serve as State Executive Director for the Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA).
Read More
Louisiana Farm Bureau Supports Appointment of Craig McCain as FSA Director
Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot issued the following statement in response to the appointment of Craig McCain as State Executive Director for the Louisiana Farm Service Agency (FSA).
Read More
USDA Announces May 2025 Lending Rates For Agricultural Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for May 2025, which are effective May 1, 2025. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.
Read More
USDA Launches Lawfare Complaint Portal For Farmers And Ranchers
The USDA has launched a portal for farmers, ranchers, and USDA customers to report complaints if they believe they have been targeted by unfair or politically motivated legal actions.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins made the announcement Wednesday morning. “We will work with our counterparts across the Trump government to address any other government overreach in situations like this,” she says.
Read More
In First 100 Days, Secretary Rollins Affirms POTUS’ Economic Policy, Empowers Rural America, and Fights to Expand Market Access for U.S. Farmers
In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has rolled out a five point plan to lower the cost of eggs, worked to expand market access for American farmers, and empowered rural communities.
Read More
USDA To Issue $1.3 Billion To Specialty Crop Producers Through Second Marketing Assistance Program Payment
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a second round of payments coming this week for specialty crop producers through the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, providing up to $1.3 billion in additional program assistance. U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) already delivered just under $900 million in first round payments to eligible producers.
Read More
USDA Beginning Farmer And Rancher Veterans Webinar Series
Register for a free webinar series for military veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses on how to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare for a career in agriculture. This webinar series is designed to provide information about USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher programs and resources for the military community.
Read More
Louisiana Crop Progress and Condition: April 2025
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Louisiana, there were 3.4 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, April 27, 2025. Topsoil moisture supplies were 0 percent very short, 8 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 20 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus.
Read More
Ranking Member Angie Craig, Ag Democrats Urge Restraint in USDA Mass Layoffs
House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02) led fellow Agriculture Committee Democrats on a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins expressing deep concern regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) anticipated Reduction in Force (RIF).
The letter comes after months of chaos and discord at USDA have sowed confusion and uncertainty throughout the farm economy and rural America.
Read More
