The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Location and Facilities

The USDA is headquartered in Washington, D.C., serving as the central hub for its wide-reaching operations throughout the United States and internationally. Through its Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the USDA actively promotes U.S. agricultural interests across global markets.

Financial Indicators and Significant Events

Financially, the USDA is a key player in analyzing and reporting trends within the U.S. agricultural markets. Notably, the USDA reported a 1.5% increase in U.S. milk production in April, with revised figures for March indicating higher production growth. While current milk prices are declining, the USDA forecasts an upward trend in dairy prices through 2025. In addition, the USDA highlighted a 4.2% year-over-year increase in U.S. cheese production in June.

Among significant events is the USDA's projection for China's agricultural market, anticipating increased oilseed crushing capacity and a decrease in milk powder imports by 2024. These insights are vital for understanding global market dynamics and their effects on U.S. agricultural exports.

Organization and Management

Led by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the USDA is structured into various divisions that concentrate on sustainable agriculture practices and market competitiveness. The department's team comprises policy advisors, economists, and scientists dedicated to meeting strategic objectives.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, the USDA is prioritizing research and technological advancements in emerging markets, with a focus on sustainable food production systems. In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the USDA emphasizes public health through comprehensive disease surveillance efforts. Recent initiatives include finalizing revisions to Federal Dairy Pricing to enhance market conditions and ensure economic fairness.

The USDA is also addressing challenges tied to dairy production growth, with Secretary Rollins spearheading strategies to mitigate avian flu impacts. A notable boost for the dairy industry comes from grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 aimed at promoting organic dairy products in schools and youth programs, part of the Organic Dairy Product Promotion Grant program.

The USDA Land Values Report highlights Michigan and Ohio as leaders in farm real estate value increases, with Michigan seeing a 7.8% increase to $6,800 per acre, and Ohio experiencing a 6.7% rise to $9,350 per acre, indicating strong investment interest in agricultural land.

Furthermore, USDA data shows a significant increase in heifer prices, with a 75% rise from April 2023 to July 2025, reaching an unprecedented $3,010 per head.

In a strategic move to address the shortage of rural veterinarians, the USDA unveiled a plan to support the rural veterinary workforce with scholarships and incentives. This includes updates to the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) and the Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP), enhancing financial incentives for aspiring veterinarians.

Modified: 2025/09/12