During the Ag Outlook Forum in Kansas City, Missouri, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a major USDA initiative to support struggling farmers by purchasing 417,000 metric tons of crops for international food aid programs. That equates to over 16 million bushels of corn and sorghum.

The purchase will supply the America First International Food Assistance programs, the McGovern-Dole Food for Education program and Food for Progress.

Rollins stated that farmers are facing soaring costs. She cited sharp increases since 2020, including seed (18%), fuel (30%), labor (47%), electricity (36%), machinery (45%), fertilizer (37%), and interest expenses (73%). Rollins urged the Federal Reserve to continue lowering rates.

Rollins highlighted seven new trade deals, including tariffs on Indonesia, expanded rice exports to Japan, and an ethanol agreement with the U.K. To address foreign influence and consolidation in agriculture, the USDA and the Department of Justice signed a memorandum to strengthen antitrust enforcement.

Rollins warned of a 75-year low in U.S. cattle inventory. She attributes it to ranch closures, consolidation and disease risk. While ruling out direct payments for cattle producers, she promised new dietary guidelines that promote beef, protein and whole milk. Rollins also addressed land and disease-prevention support to encourage future farmers.

Read more about the USDA’s plans to purchase commodities and address soaring input costs here.