Rollins, Vaden, and Forst Announce Disposal of Dilapidated USDA Facilities

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Deputy Secretary Stephen A. Vaden, joined by General Services Administrator Edward C. Forst, announced the imminent disposal of the South Building and Braddock Place, returning resources to the American taxpayer, effectuating the vision of President Donald J. Trump, and reducing the real estate footprint of the U.S. Government in the National Capital Region...

ANALYSIS: Regional Self-Sufficiency and Freight Economics Weigh on US Cage-Free Market

The cage-free market remains under pressure this week as sluggish nationwide demand and shifting regional logistics reshape traditional trade flows. While more than 8.5 million layers have been lost to HPAI in 2026, roughly 80% of those losses have been concentrated in the Northeast. As a result, the Northeast is one of the few regions showing meaningful buying interest, though the impact on the broader spot market has been limited thus far. Retail, foodservice, further processing, and export demand all remain subdued, leaving spot market interest thin and supplies long across both cage-free and conventional segments...

USDA Announces Enrollment Period for Farmer Bridge Payments

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is opening the enrollment period for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program, providing $11 billion in one-time bridge payments to row crop producers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs. The FBA enrollment period opens Feb. 23 and closes April 17, 2026.  

“Improving the farm economy is our top priority at USDA, and we have simplified and streamlined the application process for the bridge program to ensure producers get the financial assistance they need as quickly as possible as we’re kicking off the spring planting season. President Trump continues to put farmers first. If our farmers are not economically able to continue

Secretary Rollins Announces $263 Million Food Purchase to Support US Producers 

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) intent to purchase up to $263 million in dairy and agricultural products from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through USDA’s authority under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need. With this action, the Trump Administration is bolstering American prosperity by supporting American agriculture, rural communities, and those in need of nutrition assistance...

Seek Labs Awarded $2 Million Federal Grant for a Novel CRISPR-Based Therapeutic to Combat Avian Flu

Seek Labs, a private TechBio company building a programmable disease response platform to detect, protect, and counter disease threats, has been awarded $2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to develop a novel, mutation-resistant therapeutic for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) using the company’s proprietary Programmable Target Ablation Platform (PTAP). The award is part of a broader federal push aimed at combating avian influenza, which has led to poultry production disruption, higher egg and poultry prices, and strained food supply...

USDA Takes Action To Lower Food Costs on Consumers and Strengthen the Supply Chain 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced proposed updates to federal line speed regulations in poultry and pork establishments operating under modern inspection systems. These updates reflect years of data and experience, and are designed to lower costs for American families, reduce outdated regulatory barriers for processors, and support a more efficient and resilient food supply.

“As Secretary, my responsibility is to ensure that American families have access to affordable, safe, and abundant food,” said Secretary Rollins. “These updates remove outdated bottlenecks so that we can lower production costs and create greater stability in our food system. By bringing our regulations in line with proven...

USDA Issues Livestock Relief Program Payments for 2023 and 2024 Drought, Flood and Wildfire Losses

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has issued final Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments totaling more than $1.89 billion. Eligible applicants who applied for ELRP 2023 and 2024 Flood and Wildfire (ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW) assistance will receive 100% of their eligible calculated payment in a single lump sum. USDA is also making a second payment to producers who previously received their initial factored payment for ELRP 2023 and 2024...

Pastured Poultry Producers Urge FDA to Align "Pasture-Raised" Egg Labeling with USDA Standards

A trade group representing pastured poultry farmers is urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to clarify how the term "pasture raised" can be used on egg cartons, saying current rules allow consumers to be misled.

The American Pastured Poultry Producers Association ( APPPA ) is requesting the FDA to align egg labeling requirements for the "pasture-raised" claim with the existing definition used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for poultry.

Pasture-Raised Poultry Clearly Defined by the USDA

Following a 2023 petition defining pasture-raised, with over 16,000 comments supporting distinction from 'free-range', the USDA maintains a clear, enforceable standard for...

USDA and DoW Advance Key Parts of the National Farm Security Action Plan

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signed a Memorandum of Understanding (PDF, 92.7 KB) (MOU) that memorializes the relationship between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of War (DoW) for the purpose of implementing the National Farm Security Action Plan (PDF, 1.2 MB)—an initiative that has delivered measurable results in just seven months.

In July 2025, Secretary Rollins—alongside Secretary Hegseth, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi...

USDA Announces Completion of Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility in Texas

Today [February 9, 2026] at Moore Air Base, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Governor of Texas Greg Abbott celebrated a significant achievement in the fight against New World Screwworm (NWS) with the completion of a U.S.-based sterile fly dispersal facility in Edinburg, Texas. This facility expands USDA’s ability to disperse sterile flies along the border and into the United States, if necessary.

"The Trump Administration continues to bring the full force of the federal government to fight New World Screwworm,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This sterile fly dispersal facility was a high priority project, and our team delivered it in record time...

USDA Accepting Applications for an Agribusiness Trade Mission to Türkiye

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is now accepting applications for its agribusiness trade mission to Istanbul, Türkiye, scheduled for May 11–14. U.S. exporters interested in exploring trade opportunities in Türkiye, the Caucasus and Central Asia must apply by Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.

“With stable economic growth and proven demand for high-quality U.S. food in Türkiye and the surrounding region, now is the time for U.S. agribusinesses and producers to take advantage of the momentum that President Trump has been building in trade worldwide,” said...

Statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins

On January 31^st, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of State welcomed a new commitment between the United States and Mexico that strengthens implementation of the 1944 Water Treaty, providing greater certainty for farmers, ranchers, and producers in South Texas who rely on consistent water deliveries from the Rio Grande.

This announcement follows a call last week between President Trump and President Sheinbaum, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolving longstanding water management challenges and supporting communities and producers on both sides of the border...

USDA Shifts Sterile Fly Dispersal Efforts to Defend US Border

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing a shift in its 100 million per week sterile fly dispersal efforts to stop the northern spread of New World screwworm (NWS). USDA will reallocate aircraft and sterile insects to reinforce coverage along the U.S.-Mexico border. The new dispersal area, or polygon, will include operations about 50 miles into Texas, along the U.S. border with the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Mass production and targeted dispersal of sterile insects are critical components of an effective strategy to fight NWS...

USDA Announces New World Screwworm Grand Challenge

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the launch of the New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge. This funding opportunity marks a pivotal step in USDA’s comprehensive strategy to combat NWS and prevent its northward spread.

“This is a strategic investment in America’s farmers and ranchers and is an important action to ensure the safety and future success of our food supply, which is essential to our national security,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “These are the kinds of innovations that will help us stay ahead of this pest and protect our...

Secretary Rollins Signs Commissions for Senate-Confirmed USDA Leadership

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today signed the official commissions of all Senate-confirmed officials serving at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), marking one year since the start of President Trump’s historic second term in office.

“One year into President Trump’s second term, we have assembled a results-driven team that is fully committed to putting farmers and ranchers first, strengthening our national security through agriculture, restoring common sense to government, and protecting America’s food supply,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. This commission signing represents more than a milestone...

NCBA Congratulates Justin Benavidez on USDA Chief Economist Appointment

Today, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane issued a statement on the appointment of Dr. Justin Benavidez to serve as Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): 

“U.S. cattle producers depend on economic analysis from USDA to make business decisions every day on their operations. The USDA Chief Economist is crucial to ensuring that quality data reaches farmers and ranchers around the country. Dr. Benavidez has spent his career analyzing the U.S. agricultural economy from his time at Texas A&M University to being the Chief Economist for the House...

USDA Announces Commodity Payment Rates for Farmer Bridge Assistance Program

Eligible producers to receive pre-filled program applications and payments in February

Today [December 31, 2025], U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the next phase in the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program (FBA), the eligible commodity per-acre payment rates. As announced earlier this month by President Trump and Secretary Rollins, $12 billion will be paid to American farmers in 2026. Of that amount, $11 billion consists of one-time FBA program payments. This is in response to four years of disastrous Biden administration policies that created record-high input and production costs...

Secretary Rollins Announces New Priorities for Research and Development in 2026

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, signed a Secretary’s Memorandum (PDF, 909 KB) that puts forth a focused effort to establish new priorities for future research and development activities funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen national security, protect U.S. agriculture, and support American farmers and consumers.

The American farm economy suffered under failed Biden-Harris Administration policies that drove up inflation, created a weak trade agenda that resulted in no new trade deals for American commodities, and propagated crippling overregulation. Further, misguided policies focused on DEI and environmental justice in agricultural research, extension, and education programs diverted...

NCBA Congratulates USTR, USDA Officials on Confirmation

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association congratulated two Trump administration officials on receiving Senate confirmation, Dr. Julie Callahan to serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Dr. Mindy Brashears to serve as Under Secretary for Food Safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“NCBA congratulates Dr. Julie Callahan on her confirmation as Chief Agricultural Negotiator,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “President Trump has made it a priority to sign new trade deals and open new markets to high-quality American beef. We...

Rollins, Chavez-DeRemer Pledge New Strategies to Reduce Welfare and Expand Work Opportunities

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (PDF, 258 KB) to fulfill common goals of helping low-income workers find sustainable employment.

“President Trump’s entire cabinet is working everyday to ensure hardworking Americans can enter the workforce – and have the skills necessary to succeed in our booming economy,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “Connecting low-income Americans, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients, to education and employment opportunities is so important. This MOU signifies how our two agencies can further collaborate and use one...

Farmers, Producers, and Ag Leaders Praise President Trump’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today highlighted the outpouring of support from governors, commodity groups, farm bureaus, and agriculture industry leaders across the country following President Trump’s announcement of $12 billion in Farmer Bridge Assistance Program payments. As producers battle historic market disruptions, rising input costs, and the lingering effects of foreign trade manipulation, agriculture leaders are praising the administration’s swift action to deliver relief and strengthen the farm safety net. Below is a compilation of what they are saying about this critical support for...

Farm Bureau Welcomes USDA Approach to Regenerative Agriculture

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today commented on the announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) about a new Regenerative Agriculture Initiative that leverages existing programs, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), to advance regenerative practices.

“We value USDA’s acknowledgement that farmers have long practiced regenerative agriculture on their farms, both through federal conservation programs and on their own. Building on these efforts by leveraging existing voluntary and incentive-based programs to advance additional regenerative goals sounds like smart...

Trump Admin Roundtable Discussion: Bridge Payments to Farmers, Soybean Purchases, Fair Trade, EUDR

On December 8, US President Trump held a roundtable meeting with members of the US farming community, Agriculture Secretary Rollins, Treasury Secretary Bessent, and others at the White House to announce monetary support to farmers impacted by the US trade policy. 

The administration announced plans to provide $12 billion in tariff income-fueled support for farmers, to address the high costs of farm equipment, and to examine anti-competitive behavior in the food supply chain...

New USDA Export Plan: Red Meat and Poultry Via Rail to Mexico; Screwworm Case Contained

As of September 18, a new, collaborative plan to export US red meat and poultry to the Mexican market via rail gained support from the USDA FSIS. 

"Through this innovative partnership, inspection personnel from Mexico’s National Service of Agri-Food, Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA) will be inspecting at participating federally inspected establishments to reinspect and clear for export eligible US meat and poultry shipments at the point of origin. This process will eliminate the need for routine border inspections by Mexican officials..."

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #13

Expana’s global team of specialist reporters has been tracking every twist and turn in the fluid tariff situation.

Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #13."

This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text...

Secretary Rollins Secures Greater Market Access with Costa Rica for US Dairy Industry

Under U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins’ leadership, American dairy producers will have greater market access as Costa Rica has approved the first U.S. dairy facility to be registered under their new streamlined approval process. The Trump Administration continues to break down non-tariff barriers, and this latest action is the first of many wins ahead for American dairy producers.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is putting Farmers First. Securing greater market access for American dairy farmers is a much-needed win for the U.S. dairy industry and will give our...

USDA and Mexico Invest in Joint Effort to Eradicate New World Screwworm

On a recent call, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brook L. Rollins and Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Julio Berdegué Sacristán, discussed ongoing efforts to contain the threat of New World Screwworm (NWS) south of the US-Mexico border. The USDA shared an update on the partnership via its website.

As part of this effort, the USDA announced a $21 million investment to renovate an existing fruit fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico. The goal is to produce an additional...