Full Breakdown
Kansas Bipartisan Bill Aims to Preserve USDA Field Offices
6/18/2026, 5:44:33 AM
Core Event: USDA Field Office Stability Act Introduced
On Thursday, Rep. Derek Schmidt (R) and Rep. Sharice Davids (D) introduced the USDA Field Office Stability Act. The bill would bar the USDA from closing or moving any Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, or Rural Development county or field office unless another office exists within 20 miles, and would require minimum staffing and business-hour operation.
Background: Staffing Cuts and Sponsors
USDA data show a loss of 24,000 staff from September 2024 to December 2025, with Kansas shedding over 500 employees—a 32 % reduction that eliminated many field offices. The cuts follow shortages that began under Obama, modest gains under Biden, and a renewed purge. Reps. Derek Schmidt (R, 2nd) and Sharice Davids (D, 3rd) introduced the USDA Field Office Stability Act to halt further closures. Kansas Farmers Union executive Nick Levendofsky and Kansas Department of Agriculture spokesperson Heather Lansdowne support the measure.
Why It Matters
County USDA offices deliver conservation advice, farm-loan processing, and crop-insurance assistance. The 32 % staff cut in Kansas removed many field offices, limiting land-preservation choices, credit for land or livestock purchases, and operating loans. Davids noted high fertilizer and diesel costs and market uncertainty strain producers, making access essential.
Official Statements & Responses
Schmidt said downsizing can cripple a two-person office, ending its function. Davids argued that without action, producers will face longer travel, delayed assistance, and higher burdens, negating efficiency claims. The Kansas Department of Agriculture praised the effort, noting that local representation helps officials respond quickly to needs.
Criticism & Opposition
Levendofsky cautioned that even with the bill, rebuilding trust in USDA staffing may take time, as temporary workers have only restored services in Riley and Mitchell counties. He warned that staffing stability remains uncertain despite safeguards.
What's Next
The bill moves forward in the next congressional session.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s a difference between downsizing towards efficiency and eliminating by taking away the ability to function,” — Derek Schmidt, U.S. Representative, Kansas 2nd District
- “If we don’t do something right now, our farmers, our ranchers, people who depend on USDA services are going to have a harder time accessing those services,” — Sharice Davids, U.S. Representative, Kansas 3rd District
- “If, because of these cuts, a farmer is having to drive significantly further, wait weeks longer for assistance or lose access to the local expertise, that’s not actually saving,” — Sharice Davids, U.S. Representative, Kansas 3rd District
- “It’s USDA’s way of touching every county in the country,” — Nick Levendofsky, Executive Director, Kansas Farmers Union
- “Ensuring stability in local USDA offices is “a practical issue, not a partisan one,” Davids said.” — Sharice Davids, U.S. Representative, Kansas 3rd District
