Empty USDA Offices: A Threat to America's Family Farms

The Consequences of Understaffing at the USDA

The consequences of empty offices within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cannot be overstated. Farmers across the country are grappling with the fallout from significant staffing shortages that hinder access to vital conservation programs. With recent reports indicating a loss of 2,673 employees—a staggering 22%—in just the first half of 2025, it's clear that our agricultural backbone is under threat.

A Voices of Experience: The Heart of Local Agriculture

Having dedicated three decades of my career to serving local farmers as a district conservationist, I understand the immense value that USDA offices provide. My experience with producers has shown just how critical these services are. During the early 1990s, I helped ranchers design conservation plans that transformed their operations—enhancing productivity and revitalizing skepticism into trust.

“The results spoke for themselves... My job wasn't to sit behind a desk.”

Yet today, as a farmer myself operating a cow-calf operation in South Dakota, I am deeply concerned about the ramifications of these staffing cuts. High input costs, volatile markets, and increasingly unpredictable weather pose grave challenges for family farms.

Conservation Programs: Lifelines for Farmers

Conservation programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) are more than just funding avenues; they are lifelines. Farmers depend on these initiatives for vital resources to enhance efficiency and sustainability. However, with increasing demands and dwindling resources—64% of applications for funding went unmet last fiscal year—the risk intensifies. Each day that passes without adequate support brings family farms closer to the brink.

A Call to Action: The USDA Must Change

The leadership at the USDA must recognize that conservation funding is ineffective if the infrastructure to deliver that funding is collapsing. While I applaud efforts for stronger conservation initiatives, such as the $700 million Regenerative Pilot Program, the real barrier lies in the delivery mechanisms. If farmers cannot access these programs, we risk the very future of agriculture.

“Without sufficient staff, even the strongest, most pro-farmer agenda cannot succeed.”

Policy Implications: Prioritize Farmers' Needs

As Congress navigates Farm Bill negotiations and the USDA works toward reform, it's vital that they listen to the voices of farmers. We need assurances that these programs will be adequately staffed and funded. If we fail to prioritize the delivery of conservation assistance, we are sacrificing not just the future of family farms but the food security of our nation.

Conclusion: The Future of Family Farms at Risk

It is imperative to ensure that as we move forward, policymakers recognize the urgency of these challenges. Farmers like myself are committed to sustainable practices, but we need the tools and support to remain viable. Let us work together to protect these essential programs so we can keep America's family farms thriving for generations to come.