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Hawley raises concerns over possible Missouri FSA office changes

A U.S. Senator from Missouri has concerns the USDA’s Farm Service Agency could reduce services at some county offices in Missouri in October.

In a letter to Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, Josh Hawley says he’s worried the pending reduction of services at the Ralls County FSA Office comes at a time when farmers are receiving conservation and disaster program assistance. 

He’s requested the USDA provide by mid-August more details on how many county offices are impacted by a reduction in services or closure by October 2027, along with staffing plans for the USDA’s FSA.

The USDA is currently undergoing reorganization, expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year. In June, the department said changes within the Farm Service Agency are designed to support more efficient delivery of farm programs and loan services.

USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden previously told Brownfield on Inside D.C., the USDA’s reorganization wouldn’t affect county-level producer service offices, including FSA offices.