Episode 262: USDA Reorg, Looming Shutdown, and More Ag Policy

DTN Ag Policy Editor Chris Clayton has had his hands full for months, tracking a wide range of stories from Washington that promise to impact farmers and ranchers in myriad ways. For one, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is still in the midst of a proposed reorganization, which is leaving local FSA offices short on staff — and farmers are starting to raise their concerns.

Our conversation today starts with the latest news from USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, including recent updates on a potential farmer aid package. We’ll also discuss some recent farmer actions — particularly based in Arkansas — during which hundreds of growers demanded more responsiveness from the federal government.

Then we’ll get into the latest trade news and what prospects might be for a resumption of trade with China or a renegotiation of the USMCA. We’ll get an update from Congress, and hear what impacts might be incurred if Congress fails to pass a budget by the end of September and the government is forced to shut down.

Finally, we’ll hear the latest about the Make America Healthy Again Movement, or MAHA, report, get an update on farm labor, and hear some unexpected news about cover crops.