Farmers and rural residents across the country say staffing shortages within the U.S. Department of Agriculture are making it increasingly difficult to access basic services.
Producers report delays involving agricultural loans and grants, conservation assistance and financing for rural housing and utility projects.
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has lost more than 2,700 employees, representing nearly one-fourth of its workforce. The agency helps farmers and landowners implement conservation practices intended to protect soil, water and other natural resources.
The impact is being felt at the local level. In Polk County, Iowa, the Farm Service Agency office remains available to producers but is reportedly closed four out of five days each week. Calls are being redirected, while employees from neighboring counties are brought in to provide coverage.
USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden said NRCS has identified areas experiencing staffing shortages and is working to better distribute employees across the agency.
The USDA plans to hire 272 NRCS employees this year. However, even with those additions, staffing would remain below the department’s stated goal and considerably below average employment levels recorded between 2020 and 2025.
Farmers say continued staffing shortages could create longer waits for time-sensitive assistance, particularly for producers seeking financing or conservation support ahead of planting and construction deadlines.