USDA Announces Sweeping Changes, Prioritizes Poultry and Livestock Amid Challenges

The big headline out of the Department of Agriculture this week: Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has announced sweeping changes to the USDA’s team, unveiling a new slate of presidential appointments at key positions. Secretary Rollins emphasized that these appointments are about “putting Farmers First,” underscoring the department’s commitment to supporting American producers in a rapidly changing global landscape. Among the new faces is Chris Berardi, who comes aboard as Senior Legislative Advisor, bringing expertise from both federal policy and the nonprofit sector. Brandon Borke also joins as Legislative Advisor, drawing on over a decade of frontline political and nonprofit leadership.

Policy-wise, the USDA is making waves on several fronts. In the ongoing battle against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or HPAI, Secretary Rollins provided an update on the department’s five-pronged strategy. Since the USDA increased indemnity payouts in February, over $70 million has been distributed directly to poultry producers hit by bird flu—accelerating efforts to repopulate flocks. USDA has also slashed regulatory red tape, extended critical line speed waivers, and withdrawn a controversial Salmonella rule to help stabilize egg supplies and ease costs for consumers. On the innovation front, the USDA’s Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge received an incredible 417 proposals requesting nearly $800 million in funding, with awards expected this fall. In response to supply disruptions, the agency has approved new facilities and ramped up imports, bringing in more than 40 million eggs so far this year from partners like Brazil, Mexico, and South Korea.

Turning to livestock, the latest cattle-on-feed report for June shows U.S. inventories sitting just below last year’s levels, with marketings and placements both down. However, historically high front-end inventories and significant regional disparities—particularly in Texas and the Midwest—are shaping current trends and prices.

Looking at USDA’s financing programs, June also brought news of favorable loan rates for producers. Direct farm operating loans are holding at five percent, and farm ownership loans at 5.75 percent, offering critical support for farmers planning expansions, equipment purchases, or new ventures. These accessible loans are vital for the next generation of producers and established operations alike, helping to buffer cash flow and encourage investment during a season of price and weather volatility.

All these changes impact American families by aiming to control food costs, keep grocery shelves stocked, and respond quickly to disease outbreaks. For businesses, updates in regulatory relief and financial support mean smoother operations and more flexibility amid ongoing market challenges. State and local governments benefit from increased coordination and resource allocation, especially around animal health and food safety, while international partners see the U.S. working proactively to stabilize trade and supply.

If you’re a producer, don’t forget: the USDA’s annual Acreage report drops June 30, providing crucial data for planning the coming season. And for those interested in research or innovation in agriculture, keep an eye out for the upcoming announcement of Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge winners.

For more details on these stories, policy updates, and how you can have your say—the USDA posts resources, public comment opportunities, and program announcements regularly at usda.gov.

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