The Trump administration is withholding funds from farmers participating in conservation programs, despite the White House’s assurance last week that funding to individuals would not be frozen. Contractors supporting these programs have also been affected. The Iowa Soybean Association, in a letter to lawmakers, warned that $11 million owed to farmers is at risk. Many farmers are only now learning …
USDA Freezes Conservation, Farmer Payments
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has frozen some funding for farmers as it goes through a sweeping review, despite assurances from the Trump administration that programs helping farmers wouldn’t be affected during the government overhaul. Reuters says the impact has been wide-ranging, from cash assistance for ranchers to fixing cattle watering systems to help for corn growers wanting to …
Farm Leaders Call for Stronger Farm Bill, Risk Management at Senate Ag Hearing
At a recent Senate Agriculture Committee hearing titled Perspectives from the Field: Farmer and Rancher Views on the Agricultural Economy, Part 1, agricultural leaders Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, and Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union, urged lawmakers to modernize the Farm Bill and strengthen risk management programs amid economic struggles faced by farmers …
NASDA Sets Federal Policy Priorities for 2025
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) has announced its top five policy priorities for 2025. The organization’s Board of Directors selected these key issues to guide their efforts in shaping agricultural policy over the next year. The priorities include the farm bill, food systems, pesticide regulations, PFAS contamination, and state cooperative agreement funding. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney …
Brooke Rollins Vows Swift Action on Farm Aid at Senate Confirmation Hearing
On Thursday, the Senate Agriculture Committee held a confirmation hearing for Brooke Rollins, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins, 52, told lawmakers she plans a rapid rollout of assistance to farmers and ranchers if confirmed, placing economic relief at the top of her agenda. Rollins said the American Relief Act of 2025, which includes $31 billion in …
Enrollment Dates Announced for Agricultural Programs
Enrollment periods for various agricultural programs have been announced. Tyron Spearman has more details. How To Apply To enroll in the ARC or PLC programs, agricultural producers can contact their local FSA office or apply for ARC and PLC online. The deadline to enroll is April 15. Enrollment involves selecting the desired program, providing necessary documentation, and adhering to application deadlines. More …
Enrollment Opened for 2025 Farm and Dairy Safety-Net Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the enrollment periods for its 2025 safety-net programs aimed at supporting American farmers and dairy producers. These programs, including the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC), and Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), are designed to provide financial protection against market fluctuations and other agricultural risks. Enrollment Periods: Program Details: How to …
Livestock Producers Reminded to Apply for Disaster Assistance
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers, including dairy producers impacted by H5N1, that the deadline to apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) is Jan. 30, 2025, for losses due to specific adverse conditions that occurred in 2024. ELAP provides emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees, and farm-raised fish to assist …
Looking at the National Debt
Here in 2025, there are some looking at whether the new administration can actually start trimming the national debt. Mark Oppold has the story. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024
USDA to Provide Assistance for Distressed Farm Loan Borrowers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced approximately $300 million in assistance to help distressed direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers under Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act. Over the past two years, USDA acted swiftly to assist distressed borrowers in retaining their land and continuing their agricultural operations. This is expected to provide assistance to over 12,800 …