On September 25, 2025, U. S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced significant plans to support American farmers during the Ag Outlook Forum in Kansas City, Missouri. This initiative includes the purchase of large quantities of crops and addresses economic challenges faced by the farming community.
1. Crops Purchase: The USDA will buy 417,000 metric tons of crops, equivalent to over 16 million bushels of corn and sorghum, to boost international food aid programs and American exports.
2. Economic Challenges: Rollins highlighted that rising costs of seeds, fuel, labor, electricity, machinery, and fertilizer have severely impacted farmers since 2020. For instance, seed costs rose by 18%, and fertilizer costs increased by 37%.
3. Federal Response: To alleviate financial pressures, Rollins urged the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates and mentioned a repurposing of diversity, equity, and inclusion funds to potentially assist farmers.
4. Trade Agreements: The announcement included the success of seven new international trade agreements aimed at promoting U. S. agricultural exports, including a tariff agreement with Indonesia and increased rice exports to Japan.
5. Antitrust Enforcement: The USDA and Department of Justice signed a memorandum to enhance antitrust actions in the agriculture market to prevent monopolistic practices.
6. Beef Cattle Shortage: Rollins addressed the declining cattle inventory, attributing it to a loss of ranches and disease risks. U. S. cattle inventories are at their lowest in 75 years. She indicated no current plans to financially support beef producers but emphasized encouraging beef consumption through new dietary guidelines.
Secretary Rollins stressed that the government aims to support farmers by fostering market competition rather than through direct payments. She emphasized inspirational land use and agricultural initiatives rather than subsidies to engage the next generation of farmers.
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