USDA Shifts Spending, Impacts Farming, Biofuels, and School Meals Ahead

The biggest news from the USDA this week is the department’s decision to terminate over 145 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-focused awards, saving nearly $149 million. Announcing the move, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said, “Putting core agricultural needs first means ensuring that our resources are used where farmers, producers, and rural communities need them most.” This signals a major shift in spending priorities, with funds redirected toward core agricultural programs, operational efficiency, and research that directly supports farmers.

In market news, USDA’s latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report shows lower than expected U.S. corn and wheat ending stocks for the 2025/26 marketing year. Corn ending stocks dropped by 50 million bushels, and wheat exports for the 2024/25 crop have been raised to 820 million bushels. The average farm gate price for wheat ticked up to $5.40 per bushel, reflecting tighter supplies. Crop conditions look steady, with winter wheat production up 2% over last year and yields increasing as well. These adjustments are important for both growers and agribusinesses, with market analysts calling the June numbers “neutral—not good but not bad.” Internationally, the USDA announced expanded market access for U.S. agricultural producers in Thailand and Vietnam, while continuing stable trade with Brazil. Breaking down trade barriers is expected to boost American exports and strengthen the farm economy at a critical time.

On the regulatory front, the department is supporting the EPA’s implementation of record-high biofuel blending requirements, a major win for corn and soy growers and the renewable fuels industry. And in a long-anticipated environmental decision, the USDA’s Forest Service released the final impact statement and draft record of decision for the Resolution Copper Mining Project, with public input still being accepted—communities near the proposed mine should pay close attention and submit comments before the final ruling.

Big changes are coming to school meals as well, but not right away. The USDA clarified that new nutrition standards, including a phased sodium reduction and added sugar limits, will roll out gradually from fall 2025 through 2027. No changes are required for the upcoming school year, giving schools and the food industry time to adapt.

Looking ahead, keep an eye out for the 2025–2030 dietary guidelines set for release later this year, which will shape nutrition policies nationwide. Citizens can get more information or share feedback by visiting usda.gov or checking out the public comment portals for ongoing projects. If you’re a grower, food business, or parent, these developments will influence what’s on your table and how American agriculture grows in the months to come. Follow along for updates, and don’t forget to lend your voice where public input is open—your perspective matters in shaping our food and farming future.