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Democrats in the Senate have asked USDA to explain why the Department of Government Efficiency must approve certain government farm loans and loan guarantees before they are issued.  The lawmakers also told USDA they wanted details about how such reviews are being conducted and whether DOGE will be vetting other USDA farm assistance programs.   The l...

There were 84 ransomware attacks against the food and agriculture sector during the first three months of 2025, more than twice the number of intrusions during the same period last year.  More than 75% of the intrusions were recorded in January and February, with ransomware already accounting for 53% of all cyberattacks against the industry during the quarter, according to a report from the Food a

House leaders are delaying a planned Agriculture Committee markup that was tentatively set for this week as big issues remain for the GOP’s massive domestic policy bill, according to two Republicans granted anonymity to relay the decision ahead of an official announcement.   P...

The U.S. Government Accountability Office released a study last week that raises questions about the accuracy of broadband availability data in the FCC’s National Broadband Map.   According to that study, the Commission “has not documented or assessed the sufficiency of its processes” for ensuring the accuracy of the map, which in turn could “jeopardize agencies’ ability to make the most efficient

How are Doge cuts impacting the farming community?  That depends on who you ask.   Some in rural America are applauding the Administration’s work to trim agencies in an effort to shrink the national debt.  But others are concerned that these cuts to USDA, ARS, and others will create more problems for farmers than they will prevent.  Central Washington’s Dan New...

On Friday, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced several presidential appointments, including Farm Service Agency and Rural Development State Director roles.   In Oregon, Jim Carmack was appointed Rural Development state director.  Rollins note...

The nomination of Stephen Vaden to be the next USDA Deputy Secretary is advancing to the full Senate this week, amid turbulent times at the department over trade, staffing and budget cuts, and spending freezes.  Former USDA General Counsel in the first Trump term and a US Court of International Trade judge, Vaden faced tough questions from Democrats at his recent confirmation hearing.  But the Ten

More than 15,000 USDA employees have taken one of the Trump administration's two financial incentive offers to leave the agency.  According to Reuters, the sum represents about 15% of the USDA's total workforce.   President 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 to shrink the federal workforce.  

Last week, senators John Thune, of South Dakota, and Minnesota’s Tina Smith reintroduced the Strengthening Local Processing Act.  They said the bipartisan legislation would provide support to America’s small meat and poultry processors to strengthen and upgrade their operations.   The bil...

Lawmakers are sending signals that a new Farm Bill isn’t certain in 2025.   Reports say Republican lawmakers are considering adding Biden-era conservation programs into their party-line megabill that may have otherwise been in a separate reauthorization of federal farm programs.  Politico...