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AG GROUPS URGE USDA TO BEEF UP ITS STAFF
Jun. 10, 2026
Agri-Pulse reports:
Washington, DC-- A coalition of 123 agriculture and conservation groups is urging Senate appropriators to address staffing shortages at USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency.
"Reduced staffing levels and office consolidations have created significant barriers for producers attempting to access USDA services," the groups write in a June 9 letter to Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee leaders John Hoeven, R-N.D., and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.
They're calling for adequate FY27 funding to prevent further office closures. The groups are also urging senators to adopt House passed language that would block the permanent relocation of county based employees if it would leave an office with two or fewer staff.
Signatories span major farm and conservation organizations -- including the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, International Fresh Produce Association, The Nature Conservancy, Environmental Defense Fund, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association and National Milk Producers Federation.
The letter cites USDA data showing more than 20,000 employees left the department between January and June 2025, including 22% of NRCS staff, 24% of FSA employees and 7% of FSA county office personnel.
"For many American agriculture operations, timely access to USDA staff and resources can directly impact whether an operation remains financially viable during periods of economic stress or weather related losses," the groups say.
To view the letter click here.
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