U.S. Federal Attorney https://www.wcmu.org/tags/united-states-department-of-agriculture U.S. Federal Attorney en-US Copyright Mon, 04 May 2026 18:26:00 GMT This program helped underserved farmers access land. Then USDA cut the funding https://www.wcmu.org/2026-05-04/this-program-helped-underserved-farmers-access-land-then-usda-cut-the-funding Farm organizations were in different stages of a grant process when the U.S. Department of Agriculture cut dozens of projects to help underserved farmers access land and capital. Agriculture leaders say the termination deals a blow to future farmers. Mon, 04 May 2026 18:26:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-05-04/this-program-helped-underserved-farmers-access-land-then-usda-cut-the-funding Anna Pope Extreme weather has ravaged many U.S. farms this year. Here’s how farmers are adapting https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-20/extreme-weather-agriculture Severe weather is happening more frequently as the climate changes, adding to an ever-growing list of challenges for U.S. farmers. From sudden temperature swings to floods, these events can have serious consequences for farms and ranches. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-20/extreme-weather-agriculture Emma George-Griffin Soon after massive honeybee deaths, Trump moves to close the nation's premier bee lab https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-06/usda-bee-lab-closing When beekeepers saw widespread honeybee die-offs last year, researchers at the USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center stepped in to help. The Trump administration now plans to close the facility, sparking concern among beekeepers and scientists. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:24:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-04-06/usda-bee-lab-closing Macy Byars Immigrants lose access to food aid in more states, as federal restrictions take effect https://www.wcmu.org/2026-03-30/immigrants-food-aid-in-federal-restrictions-snap Refugees and other immigrants are no longer eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, as states implement a federal rule change. The restriction is one of many moves that has made it harder for immigrants to access federal benefits. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:37:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-03-30/immigrants-food-aid-in-federal-restrictions-snap Anna Pope USDA lost 24,000 workers under Trump, hurting critical resources for farmers https://www.wcmu.org/2026-02-24/federal-cuts-usda-staff-farmers-impact The Trump administration's federal workforce cuts shrunk U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies that inspect produce, provide conservation resources and collect data on crops and livestock. It's creating longer wait times for farmers seeking federal services and programs, people working in agriculture say. Wed, 25 Feb 2026 22:49:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-02-24/federal-cuts-usda-staff-farmers-impact Macy Byars Michigan farmland prices increasing at highest rate in country https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-02-24/michigan-farmland-prices-increasing-at-highest-rate-in-country Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture puts Michigan’s farm real estate value at about $6,800 per acre in 2025, a 7.8% increase from 2024. It was the highest increase in the country. Wed, 25 Feb 2026 04:04:34 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-02-24/michigan-farmland-prices-increasing-at-highest-rate-in-country Anna Busse Bailout for specialty crops has yet to arrive. Growers warn they need more than $1 billion promised https://www.wcmu.org/2026-02-23/specialty-crops-bailout-1-billion-not-enough Farm aid promised last December is still months away from being paid out to fruit and vegetable growers. But industry groups say it won't be enough to get them through tough market conditions. Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:13:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-02-23/specialty-crops-bailout-1-billion-not-enough Hope Kirwan Farmers may lose a USDA program that helps them adapt to climate change https://www.wcmu.org/2026-02-09/usda-climate-hubs-midwest In 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture created a network of “climate hubs” to understand how climate change affects agriculture and forestry and help farmers adapt to more extreme and unpredictable weather. Now, the future of these hubs is uncertain. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-02-09/usda-climate-hubs-midwest Rachel Cramer More U.S. farmers would be eligible for federal loans under new bipartisan bill https://www.wcmu.org/2026-01-23/legislation-usda-farmer-loans Under the current system, producers must be the sole owner-operator of their farm or ranch to qualify for loans from the federal government. A bipartisan bill would expand the eligibility requirements for applicants. Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-01-23/legislation-usda-farmer-loans Will Bauer Hunger rose slightly in the U.S., a new report shows. The USDA says it will stop tracking the data https://www.wcmu.org/2026-01-08/hunger-u-s-report-usda-data Federal data found that millions of people struggled to get enough food in 2024. The report will be the final publication of such data after the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it will scrap the annual hunger survey. Thu, 08 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/2026-01-08/hunger-u-s-report-usda-data Anna Pope