More than 24,000 people left the U.S. Department of Agriculture since President Donald Trump took office last January, according to U.S. Office of Personnel Management data, Wisconsin Public Radio reported.
The department saw a nearly 27% reduction in its workforce from September 2024 to December 2025, according to data that is presented by fiscal year.
Farmers are reporting longer wait times for help when applying to financial assistance or special project funds.
All USDA agencies saw between an 11% and 37% staff reduction.
