Philip Brasher

USDA’s latest forecast for farm earnings estimates that net farm income will be down 6.3% this year to $140.7 billion, when adjusted for inflation. USDA estimates net cash farm income will be 3.5% lower this year at $158.8 billion.

USDA releases its latest forecast for farm income today, even as lawmakers discuss a possible package of assistance for producers.

Lawmakers return this week for the remainder of their lame duck session, facing a to-do list that includes passing a farm bill extension and averting a government shutdown. Also, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy head to Capitol Hill, and a Senate committee puts a focus on FDA and its role in combatting obesity.. 

President-elect Donald Trump is setting up a cabinet of unusually diverse views and backgrounds that together could have a far-reaching impact on the food and agriculture sectors. Farm groups will be counting on his pick to lead USDA, Brooke Rollins, to be an advocate for ag within an administration. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum could be a key ally on energy policy.

Some 81% of Farm Service Agency employees are in their offices full-time, and the limited availability of telework has contributed to some extent to recruitment and retention challenges, according to a Government Accountability Office report.

Brooke Rollins, president of the America First Policy Institute, an organization closely allied with President-elect Donald Trump, has been selected to serve as agriculture secretary.

President-elect Donald Trump has picked hedge fund manager and Scott Bessent as his Treasury Secretary nominee, prompting criticism from Senate Finance Democrats of "rich political donor" potentially helming the department. 

Agri-Pulse’s Lydia Johnson caught up with California Rep. Jim Costa Thursday night to talk about his challenge to Georgia Rep. David Scott for the top Democratic slot on the House Ag Committee. Costa repeatedly stressed that he could be a “strong voice” for the minority.

California Rep. Jim Costa is challenging David Scott of Georgia to lead Democrats on the House Ag Committee in the next Congress. Costa says some committee members urged him to consider the move.

Key lawmakers are working on a two-pronged approach to help row crop producers who’ve been hit by the downturn in commodity markets. A lot of work remains to be done, but the goal is to attach some kind of ag relief to a one-year farm bill extension in December.