By Macy Byars
The Trump administration's federal workforce cuts shrunk U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies that inspect produce, provide conservation resources and collect data on crops and livestock. It's creating longer wait times for farmers seeking federal services and programs, people working in agriculture say.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture saw some of the largest workforce reductions of any federal department as the Trump administration set out to downsize the government over the past year.
More than 24,000 people left the USDA since President Donald Trump took office last January, according to U.S. Office of Personnel Management data.
The department saw a nearly 27% reduction in its workforce from September 2024 to December 2025, according to data that’s presented by fiscal year.
The lost staffing means farmers are waiting longer for help applying for financial assistance or special project funds, said Nick Levendofsky, executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union.
Subscribe to the new Harvest newsletter, for our latest reporting on agriculture and the environment, behind-the-scenes exclusives, and more.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture saw some of the largest workforce reductions of any federal department as the Trump administration set out to downsize the government over the past year.
More than 24,000 people left the USDA since President Donald Trump took office last January, according to U.S. Office of Personnel Management data.
The department saw a nearly 27% reduction in its workforce from September 2024 to December 2025, according to data that’s presented by fiscal year.
The lost staffing means farmers are waiting longer for help applying for financial assistance or special project funds, said Nick Levendofsky, executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union.
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