USDA Announced $325 Million for Land Projects
Farmers, ranchers, and landowners have seen numerous financial developments over the past week that could impact their operations as voters think about their choices in the November 3 elections.
Numerous states learned about federal funding. The USDA announced more than $325 million for 42 projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Public-private partnerships will be the theme for the RCPP with federal funding teaming with private investments to target environmental improvements.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins made the announcement on October 26 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Republicans face serious competition in the mid-term election to hold onto a U.S. Senate seat and three U.S. House seats that they currently hold.
Here are some of the states that will receive new federal funding:
Iowa – expand livestock grazing and conservation
Kansas – restore wetlands and recharge aquifer
Nebraska – ranchland recovery by restoring forage areas damaged by wildfires and droughts
Georgia – restore longleaf pine forests, protect working forest lands
Texas – conserve coastal prairies through voluntary agricultural easements
Washington – restore salmon habitats
Economic Growth and Inflation Rise
Economic growth was strong in the third quarter for the U.S. led by spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure. Growth in the third quarter reached an annual rate of 3.4%, according to new federal data, which topped the 2.2% growth in the second quarter.
Consumer spending increased for the second straight quarter as it rose 3.8%. That was a significant improvement from the 0.7% increase in the first quarter.
However, consumer prices went up, so many families aren’t feeling economic benefit. Those prices jumped 3.6% in September, which is up from 3.4% in August. Inflation has been a blanket on optimism for many people as they have seen the rate rise from 3.0% when President Donald Trump came back to office in January 2025.
How Much Have U.S. Farm Bankruptcies Increased?
Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings for agriculture operations rose 19% over the first three quarters of the year compared to 2025, according to federal court filings compiled by the University of Arkansas’ National Agricultural Law Center.
Arkansas continues to lead the nation with Iowa reporting the second most new filings.
The 292 Chapter 12 filings represent a small percentage of farms overall but still reflect growing financial pressures that have increased in the farming sector.
Port Re-opened after New World Screwworm Concerns
Mexican cattle imports can resume at another U.S. entry point with additional safeguards to protect against New World screwworm from spreading. The reopening ends a nearly two-year shutdown at a port in Columbus, New Mexico.
The screwworm, which digs into the flesh of livestock (sometimes pets and occasionally humans), can present a significant threat to the cattle industry. Agriculture inspectors hope additional testing, vaccinations, and inspections can better protect cattle before they cross into the United States.
The Columbus region is a major entry point for Mexican cattle. Safe transport through that area could slowly help rebuild cattle supplies in the United States after previous contamination of screwworm in the U.S., a place where the parasite had been eradicated for nearly 60 years before this summer.
Why Are Oregon Ranchers Struggling?
It has been a triple strain for Oregon ranchers: drought, wildfires, and record fuel costs. Not enough rain and limited snowpack dried out parts of the state, making it more difficult for livestock producers.
Wildfires also damaged pasture and reduced productivity on grazing land. Weather extremes have been more prevalent over the past 20 years in Oregon, according to a new Oregon Health Authority report.
The number of days with extreme heat doubled, according to the report, and days when wildfire smoke was present tripled. The current lack of precipitation is reminiscent of previous severe droughts in 2015 and 2021.
RELATED: This is what made a ranch in Oregon appealing to buyers and resulted in a $5 million sale price earlier this year.
