USDA Expedites Disaster Aid, Boosts Forest Management, and Updates School Nutrition Standards

Welcome to the Ag Insider podcast, your source for the latest in U.S. farm and food policy. I’m your host, and today’s headline comes straight from Washington: The USDA is rolling out expedited disaster aid for American farmers, with historic speed and expanded support. On June 4th, USDA Director of Communications Seth Christensen announced that “farmers started receiving payments for livestock relief last week, two days ahead of schedule”—a marked improvement over previous years, when similar relief took up to 19 months to reach those in need. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins says the department “remains focused on getting farmers the support they need, despite these political stunts.” This accelerated $21 billion package is aimed especially at those hit by drought or wildfires in 2023 and 2024—a crucial lifeline for rural families and the broader farm economy.

In the policy arena, there’s more big news: Secretary Rollins just announced a $200 million boost for the Forest Service’s National Active Forest Management Strategy. This investment is designed to increase timber harvest, improve forest health, and reduce wildfire risk. For rural communities, this means more jobs, safer forests, and new market opportunities.

On the leadership front, the Trump administration has appointed new state heads for the Farm Service Agency. For example, Steve Brown, a seasoned Indiana farm leader, returns to direct FSA operations in his home state. According to Secretary Rollins, these appointees “will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas,” and FSA Administrator Bill Beam adds, “Rural communities need our support now more than ever.”

Meanwhile, the USDA is also updating its school nutrition standards, responding to input from schools and industry to phase in new sodium rules gradually from fall 2025 through 2027. No changes for the upcoming year, so students and food service teams can plan ahead.

Budget debates are ongoing, with a White House proposal on the table to trim USDA discretionary funds by $6.7 billion, or over 22 percent. That could affect research, conservation programs, and services for organic and small-scale producers, a move being closely watched by stakeholders.

Looking at market impacts, wheat exports are up 19% versus last year, a positive sign for American growers and our international trade partnerships.

For the public, now is a key time to stay engaged. If you’re a producer affected by disaster, visit USDA’s online portal to check your eligibility and track your relief status. If you’re a parent or educator, watch for updates from your local school district on nutrition changes rolling out next fall. For everyone with an interest in farm policy, USDA's website offers up-to-the-minute press releases, program guides, and channels for public input.

Next week, keep an eye out for announcements on organic enforcement rulemaking and ongoing partnerships with Mexico to combat agricultural pests.

For more information or to weigh in on upcoming changes, visit usda.gov. That’s all for today’s Ag Insider—where policy meets the people who grow America’s food. Stay tuned and stay informed.