Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “USDA”
Department of Labor Reopens H-2A Processing Amid Government Shutdown The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has reopened its H-2A application operations even as the federal government shutdown continues. This critical development arrives at an important time for growers across the Southeast, who are preparing for the current harvest season and beginning to secure H-2A agricultural workers for the spring 2026 …
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has reopened a portion of its operations despite the ongoing federal government shutdown to process H-2A applications. As many agricultural producers begin preparing for the spring 2026 harvest, this reopening means that the DOL can now resume processing labor certification applications and prevailing wage determinations in the H-2A program. This move is especially significant …
USDA Resumes FSA Operations, Allowing Peanut Farmers to Access Critical Loans After weeks of uncertainty caused by the government shutdown, the nation’s peanut farmers are finally getting some good news. The shutdown had prevented the industry from securing essential farm loans or placing peanuts in the loan program to receive the minimum price of $3.55 per ton. “Because of the …
The US Department of Justice and the US Department of Agriculture have announced a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their partnership in an effort to protect competition in agricultural markets. The markets that they are targeting through this MOU includes feed, fertilizer, fuel, seed, equipment and other essential goods. Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust …
USDA Resumes Farm Service Agency Operations Amid Government Shutdown While the government shutdown continues to affect many areas of the federal government, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the resumption of core operations at the Farm Service Agency (FSA) — a move welcomed by producers and commodity groups alike. The shutdown had forced the closure of many federal …
USDA Releases New World Screwworm Response Playbook Amid Government Shutdown Despite the ongoing government shutdown, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a major development over the weekend via X (formerly Twitter), unveiling the USDA’s New World Screwworm Response Playbook. The playbook was shared last week with over 200 stakeholders and key partners during a call outlining the department’s strategy …
With the USDA’s disaster declaration announcement made last week, cattle producers across Alabama are being urged to act quickly. We spoke with Erin Beasley from the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, who is encouraging affected producers to get their paperwork filed before the fast-approaching deadline. Almost a year after a historically active hurricane season impacted much of the Southeast, 39 Alabama counties …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced over $531 million in recovery assistance for Georgia farmers and ranchers affected by Hurricane Helene. This funding, part of the larger $30 billion disaster relief effort, aims to help agricultural producers in Georgia recover from the economic losses caused by the hurricane. Major Financial Relief for Georgia’s Agricultural Community U.S. Secretary of …
Brooke Rollins Swears In Dr. Ben Carson and Richard Fordyce to USDA Leadership Roles This past week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced two key leadership appointments at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These appointments are expected to significantly influence policy and operations related to nutrition, health, housing, and farm production. Dr. Ben Carson Named National Advisor for …
USDA September Hogs and Pigs Report Shows Slight Decline in Herd Size The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its September 2025 Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report, providing the latest data on herd size, farrowing’s, and producer intentions. According to USDA Livestock Analyst Michael McConnell, the U.S. hog herd as of September 1st is showing a modest year-over-year decline. …
