Farmers across the country say reduced USDA staffing is making it increasingly difficult to obtain basic services. Producers and rural residents report delays involving loans and grants, conservation assistance and financing for housing and utility projects. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has lost more than 2,700 employees, nearly one-fourth of its workforce.

In Polk County, Iowa, the local Farm Service Agency office remains available to farmers, but is reportedly closed four out of five days. Calls are being rerouted and employees from neighboring counties are being brought in to provide coverage. USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden says NRCS has identified areas experiencing staffing shortages and is working to better distribute employees. The agency plans to hire 272 NRCS employees this year. Even with those additions, staffing would remain below USDA’s stated goal and considerably below average employment levels seen between 2020 and 2025.

By: NATHAN STUEDLEFarmers across the country say reduced USDA staffing is making it increasingly difficult to obtain basic services. Producers and rural residents report delays involving loans and grants, conservation assistance and financing for housing and utility projects. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has lost more than 2,700 employees, nearly one-fourth of its workforce.In Polk County, Iowa, the local Farm Service Agency office remains available to farmers, but is reportedly closed four out of five days. Calls are being rerouted and employees from neighboring counties are being brought in to provide coverage. USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden says NRCS has identified areas experiencing staffing shortages and is working to better distribute employees. The agency plans to hire 272 NRCS employees this year. Even with those additions, staffing would remain below USDA’s stated goal and considerably below average employment levels seen between 2020 and 2025.

Farmers struggle with reduced USDA staffing