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USDA Staff Cuts Leave Farm Offices Empty, Hurting Services

8/25/2026

30 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

USDA staff cuts have left many local offices empty, hindering farmer services.
Over 20,000 employees left the department out of 110,000 by mid-2025, inspector general says.
Farm Service Agency has no staff in dozens of counties, forcing farmers to travel long distances for assistance.
President Donald Trump’s budget proposes a $5 billion cut to USDA, eliminating programs for beginning farmers, conservation and rural aid.

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Story summary

USDA staff cuts have left many local offices empty, hindering farmer services.
Over 20,000 employees left the department out of 110,000 by mid-2025, inspector general says.
Farm Service Agency has no staff in dozens of counties, forcing farmers to travel long distances for assistance.
President Donald Trump’s budget proposes a $5 billion cut to USDA, eliminating programs for beginning farmers, conservation and rural aid.