One of the things that has made American agriculture a leader in the world is our commitment to funding the science that improves outcomes for farmers and ranchers. So this week, we’re taking a look at some of the scientific breakthroughs that have made, or will make the difference to producers and the people who rely on them for food.
Eradicating the Screwworm Fly
Congressmen and Senators used to have something they called “The Golden Fleece Awards” that they used to point out what they thought were ridiculous research projects. So you can bet they had a field day laughing about a project studying the sex life of the screwworm fly. But the initial investment of $250,000 in that basic research has saved farmers and ranchers about $1.8 billion a year since 1966 and reduced the cost of beef for the average consumer.
The screwworm fly lays its screw-shaped larvae in open sores or wounds on livestock, pets, and humans too. Then the larvae basically eat their host alive. Treating the problem required constant range riding, and losses were catastrophic. In this article, we find out how researchers solved the problem and eradicated the screwworm fly from the United States and neighboring countries as far south as Panama. I’ve updated the story to include what’s happening now, as the screwworm fly has shown up again in Mexico.
The Sex Life of the Screwworm Fly: How an Odd-Sounding Study Saved Ranchers Billions
Stopping the Barber’s Pole Worm
H. contortus has developed resistance to virtually all known classes of anti-parasitic drugs, leaving producers with few solutions. But ARS researchers, and their partners at Virginia Tech and the University of Massachusetts’ Medical School knew of a naturally occurring protein made by a bacterium that held promise. Their work, funded by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, has found a great option.
Addressing Coccidiosis in Chickens
Coccidiosis costs the poultry industry $3.5B in annual losses worldwide, but antibiotic use can create its own problems. The solution developed by the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture makes a big difference.
Alternative to Antibiotic Created to Combat a Major Poultry Disease
Saving Genetic Diversity for Our Future
Here’s an example of the work that government scientists are doing to ensure we have the genetics we need to ensure that we can breed and develop the plants and animals of the future to respond to environmental changes.
Livestock Genetic Diversity is Being Preserved Thanks to an ARS Collection
What’s next?
These are just a few examples of the important role that science and research has played in the lives of farmers and ranchers. It’s a vital role, yet one that is threatened. In 2025, sweeping staff layoffs and budget reductions across the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) significantly disrupted agricultural research and conservation efforts. Key agencies affected include the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS), and the National Animal Germplasm Program (NAGP). These cuts jeopardize long-term food security, crop resilience, and the sustainability of American agriculture.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS): A Decimated Workforce
The ARS, the USDA’s primary in-house research agency, has suffered substantial staffing reductions. Reports indicate that between 10% and 50% of personnel at various ARS stations have been terminated, leading to the abrupt halting of critical research projects. These projects encompass areas such as pest and disease management, climate adaptation, and crop improvement. The loss of experienced scientists and support staff has disrupted collaborations with universities and private industry, undermining efforts to enhance agricultural efficiency and resilience.
National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS): Seed Preservation at Risk
The NPGS, responsible for preserving over 600,000 plant varieties, has experienced a 10% reduction in its workforce. While that doesn’t seem like a large number, these cuts have targeted staff doing essential activities like seed regeneration and distribution, threatening the viability of unique plant varieties crucial for breeding programs. The diminished capacity to manage and share genetic resources hampers the development of pest-resistant and climate-resilient crops, posing long-term risks to agricultural sustainability.
National Animal Germplasm Program (NAGP): Safeguarding Livestock Diversity
While specific figures are less clear, the NAGP, which preserves genetic material from various livestock species, has also been affected by USDA staffing cuts. The reduction in personnel compromises the program’s ability to manage and distribute animal genetic resources effectively. This diminishes the capacity to respond to animal disease outbreaks and undermines efforts to maintain biodiversity in livestock populations.
Broader Implications for Agriculture and Food Security
The cumulative effect of these workforce reductions poses significant challenges to the USDA’s mission of safeguarding agriculture and ensuring a stable food supply. The loss of experienced personnel and the disruption of ongoing projects may have long-term implications for agricultural innovation and food security. Farmers, especially those operating small and medium-sized farms, face increased uncertainty as access to research support and resources diminishes. The potential slowdown in agricultural advancements could lead to higher food prices and reduced competitiveness in global markets.
National Institute of Health
You may have noticed that the NIH was involved as a funder and participant in several of the studies above. The administration has recommended a 40% reduction from the agency’s previous funding levels. Their proposal also suggests consolidating the NIH’s 27 institutes into just five, aiming to streamline operations but potentially disrupting specialized research areas. Additionally, the administration has ordered a 35% reduction in NIH contracts, amounting to $2.6 billion, which supports staff, clinical trials, and research labs.
The NIH has laid off approximately 1,300 employees, including key leaders and support staff in communications, IT, human resources, and contract management. These roles are crucial for facilitating research activities, and their loss has caused widespread concern among NIH personnel. An additional 200 were fired in May despite being reassured that no further cuts were coming. Research institutions across the country, including major universities, have initiated hiring freezes and budget adjustments in anticipation of reduced federal support. These measures threaten to diminish the nation’s capacity for biomedical research and innovation in addition to reduce our ability to provide services and important research for agriculture.
What does this mean for the future of agriculture?
The recent staffing and funding cuts have disrupted critical agricultural research and conservation programs, threatening the long-term sustainability of American agriculture. Experience and history have demonstrated that ensuring the continuing leadership and resilience of American agriculture requires a commitment to research, innovation, and the preservation of genetic resources. I hope that in the future we can return to investing in our future and we can restore and enhance these vital programs.
