Department of Agriculture (USDA) News

The biggest headline from the Department of Agriculture this week is that the USDA is investing over $8 million in five new forest health resilience projects aimed at reducing wildfire risks, protecting water quality, and boosting timber production across several states. This is part of a broader partnership between the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Forest Service under the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Program. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz put it simply, “Wildfires have no boundaries, and neither should our prevention work.” These projects bring together state officials, private landowners, and industry to tackle wildfire and resilience at a landscape scale—directly affecting communities in Alabama, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, North Carolina, and Oregon.This approach means more jobs, better wildfire preparedness for rural America, and improved forest resources that both the timber industry and recreation communities rely on. It’s a win not just for the environment but also for local economies and public safety. For American citizens in these regions, it could translate to fewer catastrophic wildfires and better air and water quality. Businesses and landowners benefit from support in managing resources, while state and local governments gain new tools for mitigation, emergency response, and long-term economic planning. Internationally, strong forest and wildfire management strengthens America’s export position for wood products and sets an example in global climate and resource stewardship.There’s also been major movement in USDA policy and organization. Under Secretary Brooke Rollins, the department kicked off a wide-ranging reorganization to restore its agricultural focus. Secretary Rollins stated, “We are returning to our founding mission, sharpening the focus on supporting American farmers, ranchers, and foresters.” The public comment period for this reorganization plan has been extended to September 30, 2025, giving everyone a chance to weigh in on the USDA’s direction for the next decade. You can share your thoughts directly through the USDA website.Meanwhile, new school meal nutrition standards are set to roll out gradually from 2025 through 2027, including decreases in sodium and limits on added sugars. The USDA says schools won’t have to change menus for the coming year, giving districts, the food industry, and families time to adapt. And for agricultural producers, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency has released updated September lending rates, with operating loans at 4.875% and ownership loans at 5.875%, offering affordable avenues for farmers to grow or sustain their operations.What should listeners keep an eye on next? The outcomes of the new forest resilience projects, the impacts of streamlined NEPA environmental rules, and the eventual USDA reorganization. If you have feedback on the reorganization, you have until September 30th to submit your thoughts. For producers, more details are at your local service center or at farmers.gov. And if you’re a parent, educator, or school nutrition professional, watch for updates on phase-in dates and training opportunities through USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service.Thanks for tuning in to this week’s update on the Department of Agriculture’s latest headlines and their impact on our daily lives. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay current on changes that affect your community. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Here’s what’s making headlines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture this week: the USDA has lowered its farm income forecast for 2025, citing weaker crop revenues that are offset but not outpaced by gains for cattle producers. Net cash farm income is now projected at $180.7 billion, down from the previous $193.7 billion estimate, though still 25% higher than last year when adjusted for inflation. According to Agri-Pulse, direct government payments are expected to reach $40.5 billion in 2025—more than triple last year’s figure—thanks to fresh congressional aid for growers and ranchers.American farmers facing lower crop prices will benefit immediately from new government support, while cattle producers find a silver lining in an otherwise downcast ag economy. For agribusinesses, suppliers, and farmworkers, more predictable aid means greater stability, but also tough ongoing market conditions. State and local governments can expect increased USDA investment in forest health: over $8 million has just been authorized for projects designed to reduce wildfires, protect water quality, and boost timber production, including in states from Alabama to Oregon.A major change for schools and the food industry: the USDA has released a gradual update to School Nutrition Standards. Rollout will happen between fall 2025 and fall 2027, starting with new limits on added sugars in breakfast cereals, yogurt, and flavored milk; by 2027, no more than 10 percent of weekly calories can come from added sugars. A USDA spokesperson expressed gratitude for school nutrition professionals and pledged ongoing support, including continued funding for equipment, training, and technical assistance. These updates aim directly at student health but also impact food manufacturers and school systems, who have time to prepare and reformulate products.Big news on USDA’s structure as well—the department just doubled the public comment period on its proposed reorganization, which would relocate much of its Washington workforce to five new regional hubs. The deadline for feedback is now September 30. Lawmakers from both parties are urging more transparency and extended opportunities for the public and stakeholders to weigh in. School districts, state agencies, advocacy groups, and private sector partners now have more time to shape USDA priorities.For new and beginning farmers, there’s positive movement: the July passage and swift rollout of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act brings enhanced crop insurance benefits—beginning farmers and ranchers now receive up to 15 percentage points additional premium support for their first two crop years, with gradually reduced support through the first decade. This makes insurance more affordable and reduces risk for the next generation of American ag producers.Listeners can engage with these changes by submitting comments on the reorganization plan through the USDA website until September 30. For those interested in farm support or nutrition standards, consult your local USDA office or visit usda.gov. If you’re a parent or educator, look out for updates to school menus next year.Let’s keep an eye on further congressional debates over emergency aid, new nutrition rollouts, and USDA’s final reorganization decision in the weeks ahead. Thanks for tuning in and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

The biggest headline this week out of the Department of Agriculture is the rapid overhaul of federal crop insurance, marking a major win for U.S. farmers and ranchers. Announced by the USDA’s Risk Management Agency, these sweeping changes roll out key parts of the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Trump signed on July 4, 2025. This law is already delivering on its promise—expanding insurance coverage, slashing costs for beginning farmers, and making federal protection more accessible across the board. For new farmers and ranchers, the incentives are substantial: the USDA is now offering an extra 15 percentage points in crop insurance premium support for the first two years of farm operations, with scaled support over the next eight years. According to Risk Management Agency officials, this should make “crop insurance more affordable for the next generation of American agricultural producers.”In policy and regulatory news, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a comprehensive rollback of complex National Environmental Policy Act rules. The USDA is consolidating seven different sets of agency-specific environmental rules into a single streamlined code, eliminating 66 percent of NEPA regulations. Secretary Rollins said this move “corrects the harms caused by decades of unnecessarily lengthy, cumbersome NEPA reviews,” emphasizing that critical infrastructure and conservation projects will move forward faster, strengthening jobs and food security.There’s also a call for public participation: the USDA just opened a 30-day public comment period on its proposed department-wide reorganization. Secretary Rollins urged stakeholders—farmers, ranchers, USDA employees, and community leaders—to weigh in on the plan, which promises to move offices out of DC, cut redundant management, and modernize the Department’s footprint. Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden explained in recent congressional testimony that this reorganization will “right-size the USDA footprint” and ensure taxpayer dollars go further in supporting rural America.For families and businesses, these moves could mean lower food prices and more robust agricultural insurance, particularly benefiting smaller operations and rural economies. For state and local officials, streamlined NEPA reviews and reorganization may speed up grant approvals and program rollouts. American businesses, from small farms to agri-business giants, may see less regulatory delay and more reliable economic forecasting because of these changes.The upcoming deadline for fall crop insurance is fast approaching—farmers need to act by September 1 or September 30, depending on their crop and state, to secure their coverage for the coming year. Listeners can find deadlines and details by contacting their insurance agent or accessing the USDA’s Actuarial Information Browser.Keep an eye out for the September USDA Farm Income Forecast, which is set for release this Wednesday at 11 a.m. And as always, the Department wants to hear from you—submit your reorganization feedback this month if you want your voice to count.Thanks for tuning in to this USDA update—remember to subscribe for more news that impacts you and your community. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

The top headline from the USDA this week: Secretary Brooke Rollins has announced new emergency aid programs to support American farmers facing historic lows in commodity prices, alongside significant updates in school nutrition policies and a major response to the threat posed by New World screwworm. It’s a packed week, so let’s break it all down.Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden outlined the urgent steps under consideration to help row crop farmers bridge the gap until the latest Farm Bill provisions kick in next year. He pointed to nearly $8 billion in emergency assistance and supplemental disaster relief, with a second tranche targeted for uninsured crop losses due out in September. “We are seeking to develop policy solutions to help bridge that,” Vaden said, as the department coordinates with Congress and the president. For farm businesses and rural communities, the impact is crystal clear—these measures are designed to keep family farms afloat and stabilize rural economies that depend on agriculture.In parallel, the USDA’s Risk Management Agency is rolling out the benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Beginning farmers and ranchers now enjoy enhanced crop insurance subsidies: up to 15 percentage points higher for the first two years, gradually tapering over the following decade. These changes mean expanded coverage options and greater affordability, potentially transforming the outlook for a new generation of agricultural producers.Meanwhile, USDA’s public health and safety focus is in overdrive as it launches its largest-ever plan to block the northward spread of New World screwworm, a devastating pest threatening livestock and, rarely, humans. Secretary Rollins, speaking at the Texas Capitol, emphasized collaboration: USDA is partnering with the FDA and CDC on animal and human health, with Customs and Border Protection on border biosecurity, and state officials nationwide to coordinate the effort. With one traveler-associated human case already detected, swift action remains a top priority. The real-world stakes? Protecting America’s food supply, rancher livelihoods, and even national security.Turning to schools, major updates to child nutrition standards are on the horizon. According to USDA, schools won’t see menu changes this year, but new rules—like limits on added sugar in cereals and flavored milks, and a phased sodium reduction—will start rolling in from fall 2025 through 2027. Feedback from nutrition professionals and industry was clear: change must be gradual and achievable. USDA promises ongoing support for school meal programs, including funding, training, and equipment to help schools succeed.Looking at leadership and organizational changes, Secretary Rollins just announced a push to ramp up recruitment of rural veterinarians and outlined the next step in rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, opening a public comment period for citizens to weigh in. If you care about national forest policy, now’s the time to get your voice heard.Across these developments, state and local governments are being called into closer partnership for program delivery and crisis response, while America’s international credibility in food safety and animal health is on the line with the screwworm threat.In coming weeks, watch for the September announcement of further disaster relief for farmers, final details on the new screwworm containment plan, and the next phase of the school nutrition standards rollout. To engage, check out the USDA’s press room or submit your input via its public comment portals on active rulemakings.Thanks for tuning in to keep up with what’s happening in American agriculture. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the latest from the USDA. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

The big headline from the USDA this week: Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins just signed off on the August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. For producers, agribusiness leaders, and policymakers tracking global markets, this report sets the tone for key crop forecasts, underlining the strength and reach of American agriculture. As Secretary Rollins put it, “American farmers feed and fuel the world, and this report equips them with the trusted, timely data they need to make informed business decisions.” Topping it off, President Trump’s recent trade victories are opening up new doors for U.S. producers, while inflation news coming in below expectations is giving farmers more certainty to invest and grow.But that’s not the only major update. In an important shift toward transparency and engagement, the USDA has opened a 30-day public comment period on its proposed department-wide reorganization. Stakeholders—from family farmers to rural businesses to state agencies—are invited right now to share their views as the department looks to streamline, boost efficiency, and adapt to today’s agricultural landscape. If you’re impacted by USDA programs or policies, this is your chance to weigh in before changes are finalized in the fall.On the lending front, the Farm Service Agency posted new August loan rates. Direct farm operating loans are starting at five percent, with farm ownership loans ranging from two to six percent depending on the product. These rates carry important implications for both new and established producers, especially as they balance rising input costs and volatile markets. If you’re curious or need help navigating the loan process, USDA encourages you to use their interactive Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.School nutrition is another area seeing changes. USDA’s latest rule updates will gradually phase in new limits on sodium and added sugars between 2025 and 2027. Schools won’t have to change menus for the 2024-25 year, but expect updated requirements rolling out over the next two years—addressing both child health and industry concerns about predictability and reformulation time.Finally, leadership changes are rippling through the department, as Secretary Rollins announced new Farm Service Agency and Rural Development state directors. Meanwhile, $152 million has just been earmarked for 19 rural development projects in Iowa—good news for small towns, local economies, and the businesses they support.What does all this mean for you? For American citizens, more transparent processes and targeted support programs can mean better services and greater input opportunities. Businesses and producers should watch for shifts in loan rates, rural investment priorities, and the opening of new export markets. State and local governments stand to benefit from both new funding streams and the ability to help shape department organization. And on the world stage, America’s expanded market presence strengthens both our soft power and rural prosperity.If you want to make your voice heard, visit usda.gov and look for the reorganization comment portal for instructions. Keep an eye on loan program announcements and evolving school meal standards this fall. And if you have a big stake in ag policy, don’t miss the next WASDE report—these numbers move markets.Thanks for tuning in to this week’s USDA update. Remember to subscribe so you never miss a beat on the policies shaping rural America and beyond. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This week’s headline from the Department of Agriculture: Secretary Brooke Rollins has announced a sweeping national response to halt the spread of the New World Screwworm, a pest that poses a real threat to livestock, wildlife, and even domestic pets. Speaking in Texas with Governor Greg Abbott, Secretary Rollins called it “the largest initiative yet in USDA’s plan,” stressing that the New World Screwworm isn’t just an animal health issue—it threatens food supply and national security. The USDA is partnering with state governments, the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to strengthen surveillance, accelerate animal drug approvals, and drive new innovations in pest control. Farmers and ranchers, especially across the southern United States, are urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious animal wounds immediately.In related food safety news, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has dramatically expanded its Listeria testing over the past year—over 23,000 samples tested so far, more than double the previous year. This rapid increase is backed by the opening of a state-of-the-art Midwestern laboratory in Missouri. By relocating and modernizing its testing infrastructure, the USDA is able to analyze more samples, faster, and with more reliable results. This means a safer meat and poultry supply for families and consumers nationwide. Inspectors have also conducted 52 percent more in-person safety assessments at food facilities—a move experts say could sharply reduce outbreaks before they reach grocery store shelves.On the policy and budget front, President Trump’s administration has delivered new subsidies and improved crop insurance benefits for farmers, with historic increases in premium support rolling out for coverage on all crops sold after July 1, 2025. Administrator Swanson from the Risk Management Agency told producers, “We’ve moved quickly to put American farmers first, ensuring they have the protection they need when unavoidable natural disasters occur.” These measures are designed to stabilize farm incomes and protect rural economies, but also give businesses and lenders more certainty to plan for the future.For families with school-aged children, not all updates mean immediate change—USDA is giving schools more time to comply with new nutrition standards, including a step-down in sodium and new limits on added sugars. These rules phase in between fall 2025 and fall 2027, ensuring food producers and schools have the chance to adapt recipes and menus thoughtfully.Looking ahead, USDA is calling for nominations to its national Tribal Advisory Committee, inviting input from Native communities on key policy shifts. The agency continues to seek public comment on food safety revisions, school meal standards, and rural development priorities, and encourages everyone to share their feedback through the USDA’s website.If you’re impacted by any of these changes—whether you’re a producer, parent, or processor—reach out to your local USDA office, or visit the USDA website for updates and ways to get involved. Keep an eye out for the next World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report, coming in September—this monthly data remains vital for farmers, analysts, and policymakers alike.Thanks for tuning in to our USDA news roundup. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a beat on the issues that touch your table, your farm, and your future. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

The biggest headline from the Department of Agriculture this week is Secretary Brooke Rollins’ announcement of the most ambitious federal plan yet to protect American livestock, wildlife, and pets from the New World Screwworm. Speaking from the Texas State Capitol, Secretary Rollins described the northward spread of this destructive pest as a direct threat not only to ranchers but to the nation’s food supply and security. This five-pronged plan doesn’t just involve federal scientists—it brings together the Food and Drug Administration to accelerate treatment approvals, the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy to innovate defense technologies, and U.S. Customs and CDC to ramp up border inspections and public health readiness.For American farmers and business owners, this coordinated response means increased vigilance at state borders and the promise of new tools to keep herds healthy, potentially saving billions annually in avoided losses. It also spells tighter industry partnerships and significant investments in rapid detection and response—key as animal health disasters can ripple through local economies and even affect global markets. For state governments, it means deeper collaboration with federal experts and new funding to strengthen preparedness, while international partners watch closely given the cross-border nature of the threat.But that’s not the only headline you’ll want to track—Secretary Rollins also signed the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, highlighting expanded market opportunities following new trade wins. “American farmers feed and fuel the world,” Rollins said, “and this report equips them with the trusted, timely data they need to make informed business decisions.” Thanks to inflation easing and new trade agreements, analysts say growers can plan ahead with more certainty. The WASDE remains the gold standard for market planning—so those in agribusiness, finance, and state policy should be watching this data closely.On the regulatory front, changes to school nutrition standards are coming, but schools have breathing room: no adjustments to menus this year. Starting fall 2025, however, expect gradual sodium and added sugar reductions in student meals, designed with input from both schools and the food industry for a realistic, staged implementation. USDA emphasizes ongoing support for local schools, including federal funding for new kitchen equipment, menu training, and food safety upgrades.And speaking of food safety, the newly modernized Midwestern Laboratory in Missouri opened this month, backed by bipartisan support, to accelerate and widen foodborne pathogen testing—23,000 *Listeria* samples this year alone, up over 200 percent from 2024, with a 52 percent jump in food safety assessments at plants. This improvement directly impacts Americans’ dinner tables, shrinking risk of outbreaks and enabling quicker recalls if needed.If you’d like to shape some of these decisions, here’s your opportunity: the USDA has opened a public comment period on its proposed department reorganization. This is your moment—farmers, business leaders, and citizens alike—to weigh in on how the agency should modernize its structure for the future. Look for details on USDA’s website and make your voice heard before the deadline closes.Looking ahead, keep an eye out for the finalized school nutrition rules coming this winter, more WASDE reports for market updates, and likely further details on government partnerships to block agricultural pests. For the full text of new policies, ways to engage, or the latest safety notices, head directly to usda.gov.Thanks for tuning in. Stay informed, support your local growers, and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This week’s headline from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is Secretary Brooke Rollins’ signing of the August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. This update is considered the gold standard in ag market intelligence and comes at a time when, as Secretary Rollins put it, “American farmers feed and fuel the world, and this report equips them with the trusted, timely data they need to make informed business decisions.” She also attributed new and expanded global markets for American producers to recent trade wins, noting that “these victories, paired with the first-rate analysis from USDA, ensure our producers have the tools, the markets, and the confidence to strengthen the American economy.”The latest report highlights key changes in crop production forecasts. For the cotton sector, the USDA projects an 8% drop in planted area and a 15% reduction in harvested cotton acreage due to drought in the Southwest, raising the national abandonment rate to 21%. That means American cotton production is expected to drop by 1.4 million bales this year—an impact that will ripple out to cotton farmers, equipment manufacturers, and global textile buyers alike. Meanwhile, price forecasts for some dairy products like butter were revised down for 2025 after recent weakness, but both butter and skim milk powder prices are expected to rebound in 2026 on stronger domestic and international demand.In policy news, the USDA completed a major reorganization to refocus the department on its core agricultural mission. Secretary Rollins pointed out that after four years of workforce growth and salary increases, a review found a “bloated, expensive, and unsustainable organization,” prompting streamlining and an effort to better serve farmers, ranchers, and foresters. The department assures that all critical functions—like wildfire response—remain uninterrupted. This realignment affects how USDA supports state and local governments, ensuring grant funding and disaster response remain priorities, but with sharpened oversight and more attention to direct producer support.On the food safety front, the USDA is ramping up efforts to protect consumers. The Food Safety Inspection Service, or FSIS, has boosted Listeria sample testing by more than 200% compared to last year and completed 440 food safety assessments—a 52% jump. FSIS is also opening a new Midwestern laboratory in Missouri to modernize oversight and respond faster to threats in the nation’s meat and poultry supply.For millions of families with school-age kids, USDA is phasing in updated school nutrition standards starting in fall 2025. The first changes will limit sugars in foods like cereals, yogurt, and flavored milk, and by 2027, no more than 10% of kids’ school-meal calories can come from added sugar. USDA listened closely to schools and industry, adopting a gradual approach so menus don’t change for the coming school year and allowing children’s taste preferences to adjust over time.There’s also an important call for public engagement underway. The USDA is now seeking nominations for its Tribal Advisory Committee, aiming to strengthen partnerships and ensure better representation of tribal interests in federal ag policy. And for those in the seafood industry, $6 million in new grant funding is now available to modernize processors, expand capacity, and connect more American-caught seafood to local and global markets.Looking ahead, keep an eye on upcoming regulatory decisions, especially as the new food safety lab comes online and USDA continues its reorganization. Listeners can find more information on the August Supply and Demand report and school nutrition standards by visiting the USDA’s official website. If you’re interested in serving on a USDA advisory committee, now’s the time to get those nominations in.Thanks for tuning in to this week’s USDA update. For more stories that connect policy to your daily plate, be sure to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Big headline this week from the Department of Agriculture: USDA opened a 30-day public comment period on a sweeping department reorganization plan that could relocate offices, flatten management layers, and consolidate overlapping functions. According to USDA’s announcement on August 1, Secretary Brooke Rollins said all stakeholders are invited to weigh in, and Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden framed the plan as “right-sizing” USDA to deliver within available resources. Comments are open for 30 days starting August 1 through the Federal Register process, with details laid out in the July 24 secretary’s memorandum. Source: USDA press release, August 1, 2025.Here’s what’s changing and why it matters. The reorganization builds on a June move to streamline environmental reviews. USDA said on June 30 it is rescinding seven agency-specific NEPA rules and issuing one department-wide regulation, claiming a 66 percent reduction in regulations to speed up forestry, infrastructure, and rural projects. Secretary Rollins argued overly burdensome reviews stymied innovation, and the department says the new approach still requires environmental considerations while cutting delays. Source: USDA press release, June 30, 2025.On the finance front, USDA’s Farm Service Agency posted August lending rates that affect operating capital, farm ownership, and storage projects. Direct operating loans are 5.000 percent, direct farm ownership is 6.000 percent, and down-payment ownership loans are 2.000 percent. Commodity loans are 5.000 percent for less than a year, with storage facility loans ranging roughly from 3.750 to 4.750 percent depending on term. These rates set the cost of borrowing for producers planning fall inputs, equipment, or on-farm storage. Source: USDA FSA, August 1, 2025.Implementation updates continue in school nutrition. USDA says schools do not need to change menus in 2024–25, with phased updates beginning fall 2025 through fall 2027, including a one-step sodium reduction and added-sugar limits that tighten by July 1, 2027. That timeline gives districts and suppliers room to reformulate while keeping meals aligned with nutrition science. Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, January 29, 2025.Impacts you’ll feel. For American citizens, the school meal timeline means steady menus this year and healthier standards ahead. Faster NEPA reviews could accelerate wildfire mitigation and rural infrastructure, but environmental groups may scrutinize trade-offs. For businesses and organizations, the reorganization could shift points of contact and compliance expectations; lending rates shape cash flow for producers and agribusiness suppliers. State and local governments may see quicker federal approvals for joint projects and potential relocation of USDA functions closer to communities. Internationally, a leaner USDA could affect trade promotion cadence and cross-border forestry and climate cooperation, depending on how reorganizations are implemented.A few voices and data points. Secretary Rollins said the NEPA overhaul corrects “decades of unnecessarily lengthy, cumbersome” reviews and aims to keep stewardship while removing red tape. Deputy Secretary Vaden emphasized bringing USDA “closer to its customers” in the reorg. FSA’s posted August rates set the near-term borrowing landscape for producers heading into harvest planning.What’s next and how to engage. Watch for the Federal Register docket with the full reorganization memo and the 30-day comment window closing around the end of August. Producers should check FSA’s August rates and consider applications now if financing fall operations or storage investments. School districts and vendors should plan for the 2025–2027 nutrition standard milestones. Stakeholders can submit public comments on the reorganization via the Federal Register; USDA explicitly invited employees, Capitol Hill, and the agricultural community to weigh in. Sources: USDA press releases June 30 and August 1, USDA FSA lending rates August 1, USDA FNS school nutrition update January 29.Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

The biggest headline from the USDA this week is Secretary Brooke Rollins’ announcement that the department will purchase up to $230 million in fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables from American farmers to distribute to food banks and nutrition programs nationwide. This initiative, launched under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act, is a direct boost for smaller and local producers while helping address food insecurity across communities. According to Secretary Rollins, "This is yet another action by President Trump to improve the livelihoods of the American people. USDA is proud to play a role in not only connecting smaller, local farmers to families but also in making America healthy again." So far this fiscal year, USDA has already provided over $924 million in food purchases to support the national safety net for those in need.But that’s not the only shake-up at USDA. In a move meant to boost efficiency and government responsiveness, the department opened a 30-day public comment period on its sweeping reorganization plan. Secretary Rollins is actively inviting input from farmers, congressional offices, and citizens, promising that “all stakeholders…are encouraged to share their input during the open comment period.” Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden highlighted that relocating parts of USDA outside Washington, D.C., consolidating overlapping functions, and cutting unnecessary management layers will help USDA deliver services more effectively, especially to rural communities.For producers, this week also brings new lending rates from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. As of August 1, interest rates for Direct Farm Operating Loans sit at 5%, with Ownership Loans at 6%. Other options, like joint financing and down payment loans, are available at lower rates, some as low as 2%. These terms offer essential financial flexibility as producers head into the late summer and fall seasons. Producers can explore these options using the online Loan Assistance Tool via farmers.gov.Policy changes are also coming down the pipe for school nutrition. The USDA’s latest update phases new nutrition standards in schools beginning fall 2025, with an initial, manageable step to lower sodium; limits added sugars for items like cereals and flavored milk start in 2025, and broader weekly limits by 2027. No new requirements hit school menus this school year, which gives districts and suppliers time to adapt.What does this all mean for Americans? Families will see healthier choices and stronger food security. Businesses and producers gain new market opportunities and more accessible financing options. State and local governments will need to adapt to the new school meal standards and reorganization of USDA services, likely with more direct support. Internationally, these moves send a message that U.S. agriculture remains committed to both innovation and nutrition.Listeners interested in shaping the future of USDA’s structure can participate in the public comment period on the reorganization plan, open now through the end of August. To find more details, check out usda.gov or contact your local USDA service center. If you’re a farmer or rancher planning your next season or expansion, the new lending rates and online tool are ready to help.Thanks for tuning in—be sure to subscribe for more updates from the fields to the farm bill. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

The top headline out of the Department of Agriculture this week is all about strengthening America’s food supply as a matter of national security. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, alongside the Secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security, and the Attorney General, just unveiled the National Farm Security Action Plan, positioning American agriculture at the forefront of national defense. Secretary Rollins declared, “We feed the world. We lead the world. And we’ll never let foreign adversaries control our land, our labs, or our livelihoods.” This sweeping initiative directly addresses recent threats—including the foiled scheme where a member of the Chinese Communist Party was caught smuggling a dangerous fungus into the U.S. for agroterrorism, underscoring the vulnerabilities in our food systems and supply chains.In policy shifts, Secretary Rollins also announced major revisions to the National Environmental Policy Act regulations, aiming to streamline environmental review processes for agricultural and rural infrastructure projects. According to Rollins, these reforms are cutting departmental regulations by 66 percent, tackling what she called “overregulation” that has stymied job growth and raised prices for American families. For rural communities and businesses, this means faster, more predictable approvals for energy, forestry, and infrastructure projects.On the support front, the USDA revealed $230 million in new purchases of American-produced seafood, fruits, and vegetables to stock food banks and nutrition assistance programs nationwide. With over $924 million in purchases already made this fiscal year, these efforts help bolster struggling producers and strengthen the charitable food network. As Rollins put it, “Today’s announcement continues to prioritize American commodities for families and communities in need. USDA is proud to connect smaller, local farmers to families, and do its part to Make America Healthy Again.”August also brings fresh Farm Service Agency loan rates—direct operating loans are set at 5.0 percent, while ownership loans come in at 6.0 percent. Emergency loans remain available for producers impacted by weather and disaster events, with recent designations in counties across Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Montana providing much-needed relief.Looking ahead to public health and kids’ well-being, listeners should note new updates to school meal nutrition standards. While no menu changes are required for schools this academic year, starting in 2025, schools will gradually phase in added sugar and sodium reductions to benefit children’s long-term health, with a full rollout by 2027.Taken together, these actions reshape USDA priorities, from national defense to food access, environmental streamlining, and child nutrition. The department is currently inviting public comment on its wide-ranging reorganization plan—so listeners can head to usda.gov to review the details and share their input.For the latest updates, resources, or lending support, visit usda.gov or your local USDA Service Center. And if you care about shaping policy and protecting our food future, now’s the time to get involved. Thanks for tuning in, and remember to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

The top headline out of Washington this week: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced an ambitious reorganization of the USDA to refocus on its core mission—supporting American farmers, ranchers, and foresters. This overhaul comes as the department looks to cut redundant spending, reduce a ballooning federal footprint, and make every dollar count for those putting food on American tables. Rollins explained that, while USDA’s workforce expanded by 8% in just four years with a matching 14.5% salary increase, these changes failed to yield better services for American agriculture. However, she assured that all critical functions—including wildfire response, inspection, and food safety—will continue uninterrupted, with certain National Security and Public Safety positions shielded from hiring freezes. Still, some employees may be relocated as the agency prioritizes efficiency and leaner operations.Layered on top of this organizational change is the bold new National Farm Security Action Plan—directly linking food and agriculture to the nation’s overall security. In the words of Secretary Rollins, “We feed the world. We lead the world. And we’ll never let foreign adversaries control our land, our labs, or our livelihoods.” This is not idle talk: the move comes after foreign attempts to smuggle agricultural biohazards into the U.S. made headlines, with officials warning of a “long game” where America’s enemies target agriculture through cyberattacks, land deals, and intellectual theft. The new action plan pledges aggressive measures to prevent agroterrorism and shore up frailties in the American food supply chain—steps with sweeping implications not only for national defense but for every citizen relying on safe, reliable food.Regulatory reform was also in the spotlight: the USDA this week announced updates to the National Environmental Policy Act process, slashing 66% of department-specific regulations. The goal? To strip out bureaucratic red tape, expedite infrastructure and innovation in farming and forestry, and make it easier for projects that “benefit rural America” to get moving without years-long delays. According to Secretary Rollins, “Overregulation has morphed the NEPA process into bureaucratic overreach on American innovation,” and the changes aim to put public good and free enterprise back in the driver’s seat.Enrollment is now open for the 2025 crop and dairy safety net programs—the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage enrollments run through April 15, and Dairy Margin Coverage through March 31. FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux urges producers not to wait, noting, “Our safety-net programs provide critical financial protections against commodity market volatilities for many American farmers.”And for families with kids in school, gradual updates to school nutrition standards will start rolling out in fall 2025, with new limits on added sugars for popular items like cereals and flavored milk. The USDA promises these updates will be phased in slowly to give schools and food producers time to adapt, while offering extra support, equipment, and training to help schools keep meals healthy and affordable.Impact is broad. For Americans, these changes mean a USDA that’s more responsive and secure—protecting food safety, supporting rural jobs, and making nutrition for children a national priority. Businesses and agricultural organizations can expect lighter regulatory burdens and greater clarity in federal programs. State and local governments will see renewed federal partnerships, especially during disaster response or public health emergencies. On the world stage, the new security initiatives send a strong message: U.S. food systems are not up for grabs.Looking ahead, watch for the Great American Farmers Market event coming soon to the National Mall—spotlighting U.S. growers and part of America’s 250th celebration. If you’re a farmer, rancher, or interested citizen, now’s the time to review program deadlines and consider how these changes might affect you. To learn more or sign up for programs, contact your local USDA office or visit usda.gov. Thanks for tuning in. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest on rural America, food, and policy that touches every kitchen table. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

The USDA’s biggest headline this week is Secretary Brooke Rollins’ sweeping announcement to reorganize the Department of Agriculture, a move she says is essential to “restore the department’s core mission of supporting American agriculture.” According to Secretary Rollins, the USDA had grown by 8% in workforce and 14.5% in salary costs over the past four years—growth she called unsustainable, given no significant increase in service to farmers, ranchers, and foresters. Many positions in the National Capital Region, she argued, are redundant and costly, a sentiment echoed by President Trump’s call to scrutinize government spending. Rollins emphasized, “All critical functions of the Department will continue uninterrupted,” specifying that essential roles tied to public safety, food supply inspection, and national security will be protected, though some employees might face relocation.Shifting gears, the USDA recently revised its National Environmental Policy Act regulations, cutting red tape by 66% through the consolidation of agency-specific rules. Rollins said these changes “help unleash American innovation,” speeding up infrastructure and energy projects vital to rural communities without sacrificing environmental stewardship.On the policy front, the Trump Administration unveiled the National Farm Security Action Plan in response to threats like agroterrorism and foreign interference in U.S. agriculture. This initiative aims to defend the food and farm sector from adversaries through tighter oversight of land, research, and technology. Secretary Rollins declared, “We feed the world. We lead the world. And we’ll never let foreign adversaries control our land, our labs, or our livelihoods.”In the realm of school nutrition, USDA announced that major changes to meal requirements—including sodium and added sugar limits—will phase in gradually starting fall 2025, with no menu changes required for the coming school year. The agency pledged ongoing support for school nutrition professionals, with funding for updated equipment, staff training, and new menu planning resources.Agricultural market watchers took note of the USDA’s latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. U.S. corn ending stocks for the next year are projected down by 90 million bushels, a sign of tighter supplies, while soybean stocks rose slightly. The July USDA Feed Outlook attributed lower corn and sorghum production to revised acreage numbers, with new-crop corn supply cut by 140 million bushels month over month. These numbers have direct impacts on food costs and supply chain planning for American businesses, and ripple effects for global grain markets.Program guidance also expanded: as of this October, registered dietitians will be able to provide medical statements for child nutrition programs across the nation, improving clarity and flexibility for families and providers.Looking ahead, listeners should watch for the official publication of USDA’s new NEPA rules, public comment periods on school nutrition standards, and the rollout of the Farm Security Action Plan. Citizens can engage by participating in USDA listening sessions or submitting feedback online about regulatory changes.For ongoing updates or to get involved, visit the USDA website, check your local extension office, or follow USDA on social media. Thanks for tuning in to this week’s USDA update—don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Listeners, the top headline from the Department of Agriculture this week is a major one: Secretary Brooke Rollins just unveiled a sweeping reorganization of the USDA, aiming to restore its core mission and refocus resources on directly supporting American farmers, ranchers, and foresters. Secretary Rollins described this as a move to “end decades of mismanagement and bloated bureaucracy,” ensuring more efficient government and a USDA truly aligned with its founding purpose. Despite recent hiring surges and rising costs, Rollins promises no interruption in critical services—fire response and food safety inspections remain fully staffed, though some employees may face relocation.This shakeup comes on the heels of another monumental move: the Trump administration’s launch of the National Farm Security Action Plan, which puts food and agriculture security front and center in the context of national defense. Addressing a recent agroterrorism scare, where foreign nationals attempted to smuggle a destructive fungus into the U.S., Secretary Rollins declared, “We feed the world. We lead the world. And we’ll never let foreign adversaries control our land, our labs, or our livelihoods.” The plan bolsters protections on farmland, research labs, and supply chains to protect against foreign interference.But it’s not just broad strategy; there are immediate program and policy updates that matter for families, schools, and businesses. For school nutrition, no changes are required for the coming academic year, but starting in fall 2025, limits on added sugars in cereals, yogurt, and flavored milks will roll out, and by 2027, all school meals will be capped on added sugars, with phased-in sodium reductions. The USDA says these gradual standards “give time for product reformulation and children’s taste adaptation,” aiming for healthier student meals nationwide.Meanwhile, the Farm Service Agency’s July lending rates bring important news for producers: direct farm operating loans now sit at 5%, while farm ownership loans are 5.875%. For new and expanding farmers, down payment loans are just 1.875%, offering a lifeline to enter or grow in agriculture.Food safety, too, gets a technology boost, with the opening of a new, state-of-the-art lab in Missouri dedicated to detecting harmful pathogens and chemical residues. This year alone, the USDA has tested over 23,000 samples for listeria, more than double last year’s pace, and completed a record 440 in-depth food safety reviews across meat and poultry processors.How do these changes affect everyday lives? For families and state agencies, stricter school nutrition standards and continued robust food safety mean healthier meals and safer groceries. For farmers and businesses, streamlined USDA operations, lower interest loans, and a renewed focus on ag security offer clearer access to resources and reduced bureaucratic hurdles. State and local governments will see more targeted federal support, especially in crisis response and public health. Internationally, these moves aim to project American agricultural strength while blocking foreign adversaries from infiltrating critical supply chains.Experts caution, however, that tight eligibility changes proposed under initiatives like Project 2025 may alter access to nutrition programs for millions. Community members should watch for upcoming comment periods and opportunities to provide input.Looking ahead, listeners should keep an eye on additional USDA reorganizational updates and the implementation of new school nutrition phases—key dates begin in July 2025. For producers, lending applications and guidance are available at local USDA Service Centers and online through the Loan Assistance Tool.Find detailed updates and resources any time at usda.gov. If you’re passionate about school nutrition, food safety, or farmer resources, stay engaged—public input is critical as these changes roll out.Thanks for tuning in. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update from the world of American agriculture. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Today’s most headline-grabbing development from the USDA comes from Secretary Brooke Rollins, who just unveiled a major overhaul to the department’s National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, regulations. According to Secretary Rollins, this reform trims away decades of what she calls “overly burdensome” red tape, aiming to unleash innovation and accelerate crucial infrastructure and energy projects in rural America. Rollins said, “USDA is updating and modernizing NEPA so projects critical to the health of our forests and prosperity of rural America are not stymied and delayed for years,” echoing President Trump’s wider agenda to streamline government and cut regulatory obstacles. Practically, this means USDA has consolidated seven different agency-specific NEPA rules into one, reducing the regulatory footprint by 66 percent and, in theory, expediting project approvals while still honoring environmental protections.In other key updates, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is pushing forward on food safety with a ramped-up Listeria testing effort. Over 23,000 samples have been tested for Listeria this year, a more than 200 percent jump from 2024, and the agency is opening a new state-of-the-art laboratory near St. Louis, Missouri, to boost capacity. This will help safeguard ready-to-eat meat and poultry and support a 52 percent increase in on-site food safety assessments. For businesses, particularly those in food production, this means more vigilant government oversight but also a modernized, more responsive food safety system.Turning to agriculture policy and the markets, the July World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates show the USDA kept corn and soybean yield estimates steady, but U.S. corn ending stocks for 2025-2026 are now lower by 90 million bushels, reflecting rising exports and tighter supply. Wheat ending stocks are also down slightly, according to recent USDA reports out of Washington. For producers and agricultural businesses, these numbers influence prices and signal continued strong export demand, which is especially good news for the Midwest grain belt.School nutrition is another area with meaningful change ahead. Starting next year, schools will see new, phased-in limits on added sugars in breakfast cereals, milk, and yogurt, with even more comprehensive restrictions coming in 2027. No changes will be required for menus next school year, but USDA will ramp up support through training and equipment funding. These nutrition updates aim to align with evolving public health guidance and are designed in consultation with schools and the food industry so implementation is gradual.Budget-wise, the department’s strategic priorities for 2025 include climate-smart agriculture, advancing environmental justice, opening new market opportunities, combating food insecurity, and making USDA an even better place to work. These investments aim not only to strengthen the U.S. food system but also to support underserved communities and drive rural economic growth.What does all this mean for listeners? For families and children, improved food safety and healthier school meals. For farmers and agribusiness, streamlined regulation and stronger export opportunities. For state and local governments, new funding streams and clearer rules. On the international stage, these developments reaffirm America’s leadership in both food safety and agricultural production.Timeline-wise, the NEPA reforms will take effect upon publication in the Federal Register, with school meal changes starting next summer and then rolling out through 2027. Citizens can get involved by joining USDA’s ongoing public consultations or tracking local initiatives via usda.gov.Keep an eye out for upcoming hearings on food safety and further updates to environmental guidelines as the USDA’s reforms roll out. For more details on anything we discussed today or to submit feedback on new USDA proposals, visit usda.gov. Don’t miss future episodes—subscribe to stay ahead on all things ag and food policy.Thank you for tuning in, and remember to subscribe. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Today’s top story from the Department of Agriculture: Secretary Brooke Rollins has just launched a sweeping new plan to fortify the nation’s meat, poultry, and egg safety. At the ceremonial opening of the new 70,000-square-foot Midwestern Food Safety Laboratory in Normandy, Missouri, Secretary Rollins unveiled a host of upgrades designed to make America’s food some of the safest in the world.The heart of this effort is a dramatic boost in microbiological testing, especially targeting Listeria—a bacterium that can be deadly in ready-to-eat foods. According to the USDA, inspectors will now use modernized lab equipment, and the number of Listeria tests has more than doubled this year, with over 23,000 samples already analyzed. The Food Safety and Inspection Service, or FSIS, is also ramping up detailed, in-person Food Safety Assessments—a 52% increase over last year. To make it all work, inspector training is getting a reboot, with over 5,200 USDA inspectors engaging in a new weekly questionnaire system capturing real-time Listeria data.But it’s not just federal labs seeing change. The USDA is investing $14.5 million through newly updated cooperative agreements with all 29 participating states, creating stronger partnerships for food safety oversight. These measures are set to raise consumer confidence and protect public health nationwide. In the words of Secretary Rollins, “We feed the world. We lead the world. And we’ll never let foreign adversaries control our land, our labs, or our livelihoods.” That commitment was reinforced last week, when USDA and the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security jointly announced a National Farm Security Action Plan in response to recent agrotech sabotage attempts by foreign nationals—a sobering reminder that food safety is truly a matter of national security.For American citizens, these initiatives mean not just safer food but greater trust in what’s on their tables. Businesses from packing plants to small farms will see stricter oversight but also new partnerships and funding to help them adapt. State governments benefit from more robust federal support, while the international community gets a clear signal: U.S. agricultural standards are only getting tougher.Elsewhere at USDA, school nutrition standards are getting an update—the agency announced added sugar limits for breakfast cereals, yogurt, and flavored milk, phased in between 2025 and 2027, giving schools and manufacturers time to adjust and reformulate products to keep meals healthy without disrupting students’ routines.Meanwhile, the agency has published this month’s loan rates, with farm operating loans at 5.0% and ownership loans starting at under 2% for some down-payment programs. If you’re a producer, check your eligibility or use the new online Loan Assistance Tool at farmers.gov.Looking forward, stay tuned for further collaboration between USDA and local partners as these food safety and nutrition rules roll out. For updates on public meetings and ways to weigh in, head to usda.gov or your nearest USDA service center.Thanks for tuning in to our roundup of the latest from the Department of Agriculture. For more updates and in-depth coverage, be sure to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Listeners, the major headline from the USDA this week is the launch of enrollment for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program. Starting July 14 through August 8, agricultural producers and landowners can sign up to protect vital grasslands. This voluntary, working-lands effort supports both productive agriculture and environmental stewardship, delivering tools and incentives for farmers to conserve grasslands while maintaining livestock operations. It's a win for rural economies and wildlife habitat alike. According to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, this program is designed to “enable participants to conserve grasslands while maintaining the areas as working lands,” reinforcing the commitment to both conservation and agricultural productivity.But that’s just one of several significant developments. The USDA also announced this month that interest rates for farm operating and ownership loans are now set at 5% and 5.875%, respectively. These financing options give family farmers essential capital to start, expand, or stabilize their operations at a time when credit costs are rising elsewhere. According to USDA officials, using online tools like the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov can help eligible producers navigate these options with greater confidence and transparency.Turning to disaster relief, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins recently announced an expedited rollout of $16 billion in disaster assistance for producers hit by natural disasters over the last two years. Farmers can begin applying for this support at their local USDA county offices, with prefilled applications already being distributed. As Secretary Rollins put it, “We are taking swift action to ensure farmers will have the resources they need to continue to produce the safest, most reliable, and most abundant food supply in the world.” Over $7.8 billion has already been disbursed nationwide, and a second sign-up phase for additional losses is scheduled for early fall.Meanwhile, big structural changes are happening at USDA headquarters. A sweeping reorganization aims to trim nearly 16% of the agency’s workforce—about 16,000 jobs—through buyouts and office closures. Secretary Rollins has described this move as cutting “layers of bureaucracy,” citing the need for greater efficiency, but some worry about its impact on service delivery and employee morale.For schools and parents, the USDA’s new school nutrition standards will phase in limits on added sugars and sodium over the next two years, but there will be no changes to school menus this coming academic year. These phased updates aim to balance healthier meals for students with time for schools and industry to adapt.State and local governments will feel the effects of SNAP cost-sharing and regulatory changes—from shifting administrative costs back to states to new eligibility rules that could affect both budgets and benefits for low-income families. International trade and food import policy are also in the spotlight, with the department confirming that this year’s specialty sugar imports will be capped to protect domestic producers, aligning with America’s trade agreements but responding to what USDA described as “devastating impacts” on American sugar farmers.If you’re a producer interested in conservation funding, check out the Grassland CRP enrollment period through your local USDA office or online. Those impacted by storms or crop losses—disaster assistance applications are open now. For school officials and parents, stay tuned as sodium and sugar guidelines roll out by 2027. USDA is actively seeking public feedback on several programs, so look for comment periods on their website.Thanks for tuning in to this week’s rundown of USDA news and developments. Subscribe for the latest updates that matter to your farm, your table, and your community. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This week, the most significant development from the Department of Agriculture is the July USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. U.S. crop markets are absorbing some interesting twists: corn yields are holding firm at 181 bushels per acre, and soybeans at 52.5, but overall production for both crops declined slightly due to reduced harvested acreage. Corn production now stands at 15.7 billion bushels, while soybeans are at 4.34 billion. Notably, corn ending stocks dropped by 90 million bushels this month, but soybean stocks actually rose by 15 million. Wheat ending stocks dipped to 890 million, slightly down from June. According to Agriculture of America, these adjustments are shaping not just commodity prices but also the strategic decisions of farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers nationwide.In policy news, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a sweeping rollback of National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, regulations. The department is moving from seven separate agency-specific NEPA rules to one streamlined system, a 66% reduction in total regulations. Rollins says this removes unnecessary “red tape that is killing jobs and raising prices for Americans,” aiming to speed up rural infrastructure and energy projects that used to get bogged down in long environmental reviews. She emphasized, “USDA is updating and modernizing NEPA so projects critical to the health of our forests and prosperity of rural America are not stymied and delayed for years.” This change is expected to have an immediate impact, making it easier for American businesses, especially in rural and agricultural sectors, to move projects forward, and is poised to generate both local and national economic benefits.For American families, the USDA is also addressing food policy transparency. The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans are anticipated soon, with Secretary Rollins and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. pledging guidelines that are “sound, simple, and clear,” likely no more than five pages in plain English. Kennedy says, “We’re going to give people dietary guidelines that are four to five pages written in plain English that people can understand.” A critical focus will be on the reduction of ultra-processed foods, and HHS will soon launch a public campaign on that front. The guidelines, due by December 31, 2025, could reshape school lunch menus, nutrition programs, and even consumer products.Schools and parents should watch for phased updates to school nutrition standards. Starting next school year, limits on added sugars in cereals, yogurt, and flavored milk will roll out, followed in 2027 by a 10 percent weekly calorie cap from added sugars.On the financial front, the Farm Service Agency announced July’s loan rates: operating loans now stand at 5%, while farm ownership loans are at 5.875%. Lower rates for joint financing and down payment support remain, and emergency loans are available at 3.75%. These rates create new opportunities for producers to secure the capital they need to expand or upgrade operations.Farmers, local officials, and business owners should monitor the rollout of these new rules and rates, as they could affect everything from infrastructure plans to food sourcing decisions. The new NEPA interim rule is available for review, and the department encourages feedback once officially published in the Federal Register.For updates, listeners can visit usda.gov or contact their local USDA Service Center. If you want your voice heard on upcoming dietary guidelines, watch for future comment opportunities.Thanks for tuning in. Don’t forget to subscribe for your weekly USDA update. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

The most significant headline from the Department of Agriculture this week: Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has taken bold new steps to protect American farmland and food supply by launching the National Farm Security Action Plan. This plan is designed to confront the real and growing threats posed by foreign adversaries—ranging from farmland purchases to cyberattacks on our food system. According to the USDA, a new searchable Foreign Farm Land Purchases map has just gone live, making it easier for the public and policymakers to see what’s at stake. In her own words, Secretary Rollins emphasized, “Gone are the days of foreign adversaries taking advantage of our farmland, farmers, and programs paid for by American taxpayers…We will continue to restore farm security and expose the extent to which our adversaries have targeted American agriculture.”Security is just one pillar of this week’s activity. The USDA also announced it is streamlining environmental regulations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), rescinding seven agency-specific rules that had created a tangle of red tape. Secretary Rollins said these changes will cut regulations by 66%, allowing rural communities to speed up projects like infrastructure and energy development, while still honoring the department’s legacy of land stewardship. This regulatory shift is aimed at making the USDA more responsive, efficient, and focused on essential services for farmers and ranchers across the country.Budget priorities have also shifted with over $16 billion in disaster relief headed to farmers hit by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. The Supplemental Disaster Relief Program opens first-stage applications this week, promising faster turnaround and simplified paperwork. Over $7.8 billion has already reached more than half a million producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, highlighting the scale of federal support.For those in the agricultural business, lending rates for July 2025 have also been set. The Farm Service Agency’s Operating Loans are at 5.000%, while Ownership Loans are 5.875%. For new and beginning farmers, special down payment loans carry an even lower 1.875% interest. These rates are vital for planning and expansion, especially as weather-related uncertainties continue to impact market conditions.Nutrition and public health remain front and center, with changes to school meal standards phased in over the next two years. Schools will not need to adjust menus for the coming academic year, but starting July 2025, stricter limits on added sugars in certain foods will take effect, followed by more comprehensive sodium and sugar reductions by 2027. The USDA is working closely with states and local governments to ensure a smooth transition, providing funding for kitchen equipment, training, and technical support.These developments have direct impacts on families—making school meals healthier and safer, safeguarding jobs in rural economies, and ensuring farmers can recover from disasters more quickly. For businesses, streamlined regulations mean less waiting and more opportunity for investment. States gain new tools for protecting farmland and monitoring foreign ownership. Internationally, these moves signal a more assertive U.S. stance on food security and fair trade.Listeners interested in these programs or wanting to report concerns, especially related to foreign purchases of farmland, can visit the new USDA web portal. Farmers needing disaster relief should contact their local FSA office, and families curious about changing school meals can reach out to district nutrition professionals.As deadlines approach for disaster assistance and the rollout of new security measures, we’ll be watching closely for further updates from Secretary Rollins and the USDA. For more information on any of these initiatives, check out the USDA’s official site or visit your local service center.Thank you for tuning in—don’t forget to subscribe for the latest in agricultural news and policy. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Let’s jump right into the latest from the Department of Agriculture. The most significant headline this week is the rollout of the USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan, unveiled by Secretary Brooke Rollins alongside top defense and homeland security officials, members of Congress, and several governors. The plan is designed to safeguard American agriculture from foreign threats, reflecting growing concerns over food security and resilience in a fast-changing global landscape. This initiative is being framed as a bold step to protect farmers, food supply chains, and rural communities from disruptions that could affect everyone, from producers to consumers.On the policy front, the USDA is making waves with major environmental regulatory changes. Secretary Rollins recently announced that the agency is streamlining National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, regulations by rescinding seven agency-specific rules and creating a single department-wide process. According to USDA, this means a 66% reduction in regulations, aiming to cut unnecessary red tape and speed up critical infrastructure and energy projects that have been stalled for years. Rollins emphasized that these reforms will allow the department to concentrate resources on public needs while still honoring its land stewardship legacy. The move is already sparking debate among environmental advocates, but supporters say it will help farmers, ranchers, and rural communities by reducing delays and costs.Coming to leadership, Secretary Rollins is also making her mark with new presidential appointments to the USDA. These changes aim to bring fresh perspective and expertise to a department facing both domestic and international challenges. Meanwhile, as reported by the USDA, there’s a new historic agreement—the Shared Stewardship Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Forest Service and Montana’s Governor Greg Gianforte, setting up a collaborative framework for managing forest resources.Budget and program updates are rolling out too. The July 2025 USDA lending rates for agricultural producers are now available, with direct farm operating loans at 5% and farm ownership loans at 5.875%, offering crucial support to family farms and rural businesses. The USDA is also moving ahead with updated school nutrition standards, set to gradually take effect from next year, including new limits on added sugars in breakfast cereals, yogurt, and flavored milk.The June 30th USDA acreage report revealed that corn acreage is down 7% from last year, to 95.2 million acres—still the third largest since 1944—with corn stocks also down by 7%. These shifts in supply could ripple through grocery prices and global markets, affecting everyone from American families to international trading partners.Looking ahead, listeners should watch for continued rollout of the National Farm Security Action Plan and ongoing updates to environmental and nutrition policies. For more information or to get involved, visit the USDA website or reach out to local USDA service centers. Your voice matters—especially as these policies shape the future of food and farming.Thank you for joining us today. Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta