I’ve heard from On Pasture readers that they don’t have easy access to news that affects farm/ranch funding and the staffing of agencies that assist farmers and ranchers. To help with that, I’ve done a search to provide articles that might be helpful to you.
Judge Grants Preliminary Injunction Preventing Federal Funding Freeze
Twenty-two states plus the District of Columbia brought a suit against the federal government to require it to continue payments for federal grants and other congressionally approved government programs. Judge John McConnell ruled on March 6 that the administration had usurped the authority of Congress when it froze the funds. The funding covers a wide array of programs, including those that support farmers and ranchers.
Here’s an AP story about the ruling.
You can download and read the Judge’s ruling here.
Unfortunately, the ruling applies only to the states that participated in the suit: California, Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. Other states’ attorneys general chose not to participate so their residents are not covered.
Judge orders 6 agencies to rehire fired federal probationary workers after “unlawful” terminations
From CBS News, information on the ruling that requires fired workers at the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior and Treasury be rehired. Though the administration is appealing this ruling, they are also required to comply with it during the appeal.
This order includes Natural Resources Conservation Service staff. According to Wildfire Today, all 6,000 workers fired by USDA have gotten their jobs back with back pay. I would appreciate any information you have indicating that staff have gotten their jobs back in your area.
USDA Cancels $1 Billion for Program that helped schools and food banks to purchase food from local farmers
This program was initiated in 2021 after the pandemic revealed weaknesses in our food distribution system. The idea was to create stronger local food systems by supporting farmers while at the same time improving nutrition for school children. I’ve shared a couple of articles that cover the issue in general as well some articles that describe the impact of the cancellation on farmers and rural economies.
USDA cancels $1B in local food purchasing for schools, food banks
States have been notified that they will not receive 2025 funding for schools to buy food from nearby farms.
USDA Cuts School Food Program: List of States Impacted
Pushback Over Cutting Local Food Grants
How Does Cutting Local Food Programs Help Make America Healthy Again?
Tennessee students, farmers bear impact of USDA cuts to local food programs for schools, food banks
How USDA’s budget cuts will affect Indiana food banks and school food programs
From Barnraiser, more on impacts in Indiana with specifics about the program in general
Trump administration cancels program that paid Wisconsin farmers to grow for food pantries
More Farmers Sue Administration to Unfreeze Payments
From Courthouse News, information on a This is a new lawsuit as of March 13 and was brought by a coalition of farmers.
Is it safe to work on NRCS Contracts Again?
On Pasture author Bill Fosher shares some thoughts on this here.
