09/21/2026
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1630257775799460&id=100064457603520&mibextid=Nif5oz
After staffing cuts at USDA, farmers are reporting longer waits for USDA conservation help.
NRCS lost nearly one-quarter of its workforce nationwide last year. That means fewer employees are available to help farmers design conservation projects and apply for federal cost-share programs.
According to Harvest Public Media, the staffing shortages have been especially noticeable in parts of the Midwest.
Farm groups say fewer NRCS employees could make it harder for producers to get conservation projects approved and funded.