Rural America is facing sweeping changes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) undergoes a dramatic reorganization, Congress prepares a streamlined “skinny” farm bill, and debates intensify over the future of federal broadband funding.
Major USDA Overhaul Sparks Controversy
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a comprehensive reorganization of the USDA earlier this month, including the closure of key facilities in the Washington D.C. area, most notably the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, and the relocation of over half of USDA’s remaining D.C.-based workforce to five new regional hubs: Raleigh, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Fort Collins, and Salt Lake City.
More than 2,000 USDA employees are expected to face pay cuts due to relocation to lower cost of living regions. Critics warn that the move could severely impact the agency’s effectiveness.
“This isn’t just about buildings or paychecks,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D MN). “This shakeup could gut USDA’s ability to respond to wildfires, enforce civil rights protections, and support small farmers across the country.”
Union leaders and former USDA officials have also raised alarms about the loss of institutional knowledge and the potential for widespread resignations.
“Skinny” Farm Bill Gains Momentum in Congress
Meanwhile, House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson (R PA) is preparing to introduce a “skinny” version of the 2024 Farm Bill later this fall. The scaled down legislation will focus on key priorities, including rural development, livestock regulation reforms such as those linked to California’s Proposition 12, and broadband expansion.
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D MI) aims to build overwhelming bipartisan support for the bill, targeting at least 87 votes in the Senate. While narrower in scope than traditional five year farm bills, the proposed legislation could still set critical policy directions for the agricultural sector.
Key congressional staffers have emphasized the need to simplify federal grant applications and improve access for rural communities, many of which lack the technical resources to compete for funding without costly consultants.
Broadband at a Crossroads
At the heart of both the USDA reorganization and the new farm bill is the issue of rural broadband, a lifeline for modern agriculture, education, and economic development.
Since its launch in 2018, USDA’s ReConnect Program has invested more than $1 billion in expanding broadband access in underserved areas. However, the Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal recommends halting new USDA broadband grants, citing perceived overlap with private sector services and emerging technologies such as low Earth orbit satellites and fixed wireless networks.
In contrast, congressional leaders are working to preserve and even expand broadband support within the farm bill. Draft proposals include raising minimum service standards to 50/25 Mbps or higher, consolidating USDA broadband efforts into a broader development framework, and funding middle mile and technical assistance initiatives.
“Broadband isn’t a luxury, it’s essential infrastructure,” said one Senate aide. “If we don’t get this right, we’re leaving entire communities behind.”
A Pivotal Moment for Rural Policy
As rural America awaits final decisions on both the USDA’s restructuring and the farm bill’s passage, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With core services, staff expertise, and critical funding in flux, lawmakers and local leaders are pushing to ensure that rural priorities remain central to national policy.
The coming months will reveal whether Washington can strike a balance between streamlining federal programs and maintaining the support rural communities need to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
