Naveen Adusumilli

The USDA has appointed new leadership within the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission area to enhance support for farmers and ranchers, and improve the delivery of programs and services.

Rice planting progress in the South.

An International Trade Commission study finds that the U.S. rice industry continues to compete with nations that offer extensive support to its domestic producers, and with those that restrict imports

The GOA has found improper payments in different programs, most being overpayments.

Hundreds of Meat Export licenses for facilities shipping products to China are set to expire in the coming days, leading to concerns for the export market. At least 400 beef, 400 pork, and 50 poultry facilities will have expired licenses.

A federal judge has ordered the Fish and Wildlife Service to evaluate the impacts of five pesticides on endangered species. Louisiana has 21 of those Endangered species. The biological opinions are due in 2026 and 2028.

Louisiana cotton producers may qualify for USDA FSA Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) by forgoing a Marketing Assistance Loan in exchange for a payment on the eligible commodity. The deadline to apply for LDPs on 2024’s Crop is May 31, 2025.

Rice farmers are set to receive around $5 million under the 2025 Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program, in addition to last year's $6.5 million in Regional Agricultural Promotion Program funds. USA Rice plans to help rice farmers in export markets.

Market Relief Payments passed by Congress in December have been released earlier than anticipated. While prices vary across the major crop types, farmers will receive 85% of payment until August 15th.

The USDA has lifted its pause on obligating contracts under Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program. The original pause came as the USDA was reviewing the terms of the contracts, but states may now process applications for funding.

The FDA plans to cut its funding by up to 60%. Some expect that the cut could mean less funding for state food safety inspection programs.

Experts expect the nation's cattle herds to either stay steady or continue shirking. This comes as expenses rise and fear of droughts.

Federal regulators say that ag trade was particularly affected by droughts in the Panama Canal, creating bottlenecks and affecting supply chains. Negotiations continue as Panama seeks to balance economic interests and canal sustainability.

As of February 4, 2025, a 10% tariff has been imposed on Chinese goods, and the "de minimis" rule, which previously exempted low-value imports under $800 from customs duties, has been eliminated. Meanwhile a bipartisan bill introduced proposed rate increases as high as 100%.

The NASDA has stated that their main focuses for 2025 are streamlining pesticide regulations, PFAS issues, and state food safety programs.

The LDAF is now accepting applications for the 2025 specialty crop block grant and will close on March 17th. The LDAF anticipates $350 thousand will be allocated for projects enhancing Louisiana's total specialty crop production.

The USDA has resumed the import of Mexican livestock after creating new inspection protocols to protect against new world screwworms.

The USDA predicts that the crop price slump will continue to follow into this year, with most row crop prices continuing to drop, and the Agricultural trade deficit would increase to $49 billion.

The USDA released its first acreage estimate with corn and wheat being the major increase from last year.

Ag Secretary Rollins stated that she and the USDA were working to distribute the $31 billion in disaster aid and economic relief. The current deadline for distributing the aid is March 21st.