Farmers across the country rely on their local USDA offices for a range of services, including conservation programs and crop insurance support, but concerns are growing that these services could be at risk. With staffing shortages already placing strain on field offices, new rounds of budget and personnel cuts at the federal level are raising alarm. Local leaders worry that fewer employees and tighter resources could slow down vital assistance and reduce face-to-face support at a time when producers need it most. The impacts may not be immediate, but the ripple effects could be felt in every corner of rural America.
Iowa Farmers Union President Aaron Lehman says farmers and USDA field offices have a longstanding partnership that is essential to the success of rural communities. He describes the relationship as a symbiotic one, where both farmers and agency staff rely on each other to navigate programs, solve problems, and support the broader goals of rural development.
Lehman adds that the impact goes beyond delayed paperwork or fewer services—it’s also about the loss of quality jobs in rural towns. Cutting USDA staff means removing stable employment from communities that need it, and Lehman warns that it sends the wrong message about the value placed on rural America.
Lehman also points out that when program commitments are delayed or go unfulfilled, it already strains the trust farmers have in federal agencies. Pulling more personnel from local USDA offices, he says, only deepens that frustration and risks further eroding confidence in the system.
Earlier this year in Washington, Ag Secretary Rollins referred to upcoming changes at USDA as part of a broader effort to “right-size” the department. But as Lehman points out, no matter what label you give it, it amounts to budget cuts. He says there’s a clear difference between improving efficiency and simply slashing resources that farmers and rural communities depend on.
Lehman urges farmers to reach out to their local federal officials and make it clear that USDA support cannot be on the chopping block. He says if budget cuts are necessary, they shouldn’t come from the department that so many producers rely on to run their operations. To learn more or get involved, visit the Iowa Farmers Union.
