USDA Reopens Livestock Trade, Increases SNAP, and Streamlines NEPA Regulations

This week’s most significant headline from the Department of Agriculture is the announcement of a phased reopening of southern U.S. ports for livestock trade with Mexico, starting with Douglas, Arizona on July 7. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins highlighted this move as a result of “extensive collaboration” between U.S. and Mexican animal health experts to battle the New World Screwworm. More than 100 million sterile flies have been dispersed weekly, and with no notable increase or northward movement of screwworm cases, the USDA says it’s ready to cautiously resume cattle, bison, and equine imports at key entry points. This is a big step forward for ranchers and livestock businesses that have faced disruptions and export losses since the May closures. The reopening should stabilize animal supply chains and benefit border community economies.

Another impactful development: SNAP benefits are rising to a new maximum of $1,751 per month for eligible households starting this July, the highest allotment in the program’s history. This increase comes in response to a 12–15% jump in food prices since early 2024 and is intended to help low-income families meet basic nutritional needs. The USDA’s move aims to strengthen food security and offset the dual pressures of inflation and higher grocery costs for millions of American families.

In policy news, Secretary Rollins has rolled back several department-specific NEPA regulations, consolidating and streamlining the environmental review process. According to Rollins, this will mean a 66% reduction in USDA regulations, cutting back on “red tape that is killing jobs and raising prices” and allowing projects related to agriculture and rural development to move forward faster. This regulatory shift could expedite infrastructure and land management projects, unleashing investment but also raising concerns among environmental groups about the potential for insufficient oversight.

July also brings updated lending rates from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, supporting farmers with more accessible credit. Direct operating loans stand at 5%, while down payment loans are as low as 1.875%. These rates aim to encourage farm expansion, equipment purchases, and cash-flow management at a time when input costs are climbing.

Looking ahead, school nutrition standards are set for phased updates between fall 2025 and fall 2027. The USDA will limit added sugars in school meals and implement sodium reductions, but no immediate menu changes are required for the coming school year. This gradual timeline reflects input from schools and the food industry, balancing health goals with practical implementation.

Additionally, American poultry producers will soon gain new export access to Namibia, opening fresh markets for U.S. farmers. Domestically, the USDA and the state of Montana have signed a Shared Stewardship agreement, aiming to improve forest management and wildfire preparedness through state-federal cooperation.

All these developments have wide-reaching impacts—from providing financial relief to families, giving certainty and opportunity to ag businesses, and supporting state and local government efforts, to expanding America’s agricultural footprint abroad.

Citizens who want to learn more or engage with USDA programs can visit usda.gov or their local USDA Service Centers. Key regulatory changes, such as the NEPA revisions, are open for public comment, so now’s the time to weigh in.

Stay tuned for upcoming deadlines on loans and watch for phased rollouts of school nutrition updates. For more on these stories or to leave feedback, check out usda.gov.

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