Iowa Farmers Worry Over USDA Cuts' Impact

Farmers Express Concerns Over Potential USDA Budget Cuts

Farmers across Iowa recently participated in a virtual town hall organized by the Iowa Farmers Union, where they discussed their strong relationship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and their growing concerns about potential budget cuts. These programs have played a vital role in helping farmers diversify their operations, find stable markets, and implement sustainable practices that protect water quality and enhance soil health. However, with federal budgets under scrutiny, some of these critical programs could face reductions or even elimination.

According to an analysis by Politico, the USDA could see a near $7 billion reduction in its budget for fiscal year 2026, depending on how closely Congress follows the president's proposal. The same analysis highlighted significant cuts to key agencies such as the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Rural Development. These agencies provide essential support to farmers, including technical assistance and funding opportunities.

Seth Watkins, a farmer from Pinhook Farm near Clarinda, expressed his understanding of the need to address the nation’s $36.6 trillion debt. He emphasized the importance of avoiding short-sighted decisions that might harm long-term agricultural sustainability. "I don’t want to see us be penny wise and a pound foolish," he said. For Watkins, who raises cattle, sheep, and honey bees, the threat of losing programs that protect water resources and support young farmers is particularly concerning.

Watkins noted that the Natural Resources Conservation Service has been operating on a limited budget, making it difficult for farmers to access necessary assistance with projects like pond or waterway construction. “As farmers, we’re practical—we want to do the right thing, but we need that help,” he explained.

Ellen Walsh-Rosmann, who runs Rosmann Family Farms near Harlan with her family, shared her experience with USDA programs designed to support local food distribution. She previously used the Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance programs to deliver food products to schools and food banks. These programs, established during the pandemic, were canceled in March, resulting in an estimated $11.3 million loss in federal funding for local food purchases in 2025.

Walsh-Rosmann described the program as a more efficient model compared to direct-to-consumer sales. “It was just really disheartening, because there was nothing wrong,” she said. She also highlighted the economic benefits, noting that every dollar spent in the program generated $4 back into local economies.

In response to these challenges, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship piloted a similar initiative to help schools and food banks purchase local food. While the Choose Iowa purchasing program for food banks has been extended, the school program remains in the pilot phase. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig expressed hope to expand the number of schools participating in the upcoming year.

Anna Hankins, a young farmer from Over the Moon Farm in Coggon, emphasized the need for USDA offices to be adequately funded and staffed to support new farmers. With high barriers to entry, many young farmers turn to niche markets or specialty crops. Hankins, who operates a meat and cut flower farm, said she has successfully utilized USDA programs tailored to her unique business model. “It takes more legwork, and it’s really important for beginning farmers like myself to have a USDA that is well funded and supported,” she said.

The farmers on the call stressed the importance of engaging with elected representatives to advocate for these programs. They encouraged their neighbors to get involved as lawmakers finalize budgets for the year. Aaron Lehman, President of the Iowa Farmers Union, concluded the discussion by emphasizing the need for a strong partnership between farmers and the public. “Without that partnership, it will only lead to greater consolidation, fewer family farms, and deteriorating local communities,” he said.