Reps. Derek Schmidt, Sharice Davids Introduce Legislation to Keep USDA Offices Open for Kansas Farmers and Ranchers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt (KS-02) and Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) introduced the USDA Field Office Stability Act, bipartisan legislation to prevent the closure or relocation of critical U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) field offices that serve farmers, ranchers, and rural communities across Kansas and the nation.

The USDA Field Office Stability Act would prohibit the closure or relocation of county offices and service centers operated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and USDA Rural Development, with limited exceptions for offices located within 20 miles of another USDA office or routine relocations within the same county. The legislation would also require USDA to maintain staffing levels sufficient to keep local service centers open and accessible during normal business hours.

The legislation was introduced in response to constituent concerns regarding delays in application processing, payments, and contract certifications - challenges that have particularly affected conservation programs and the FSA loan program.

"Farmers, ranchers, and rural communities depend on local USDA offices to access the programs and services they need," said Congressman Derek Schmidt. "Whether it's disaster assistance, conservation programs, farm loans, or technical support, Kansans deserve reliable, in-person access to USDA resources. Yet many small offices are staffed by only one or two people, which means a reduction in staffing can leave the office unable to function. Our bipartisan bill helps ensure USDA remains accessible to the people it serves and that rural communities are not left behind."

"Farmers and rural communities shouldn't have to worry about whether the USDA office they depend on will still be there or properly staffed when they need help," said Rep. Davids. "Kansas has already lost more than 500 USDA employees since last year, and when offices are understaffed or disappearing, it makes it harder for rural communities to access basic services they've earned and deliver food more cheaply. Rep. Schmidt and I agree that all Kansas communities deserve dependable access to farm support."

"County-level USDA staffing shortages have impeded program implementation for multiple administrations," said Donn Teske, President, Kansas Farmers Union. "Cuts to the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and other USDA agencies have been detrimental to rural America and to the agencies' ability to fulfill their mission. Kansas Farmers Union opposes county office downsizing, consolidation, relocation, and/or closures. We call on USDA to increase funding, hiring, training, and pay for its staff so they can continue to provide quality service to the agriculture community. We thank Representatives Davids and Schmidt for leading this effort in a bipartisan manner, and we look forward to working with them and other key policymakers and stakeholders on this priority."

In April, Congressman Schmidt joined 14 colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture urging immediate action to address staffing shortages at local Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service offices.

USDA field offices provide critical support to agricultural producers and rural residents, helping administer farm programs, conservation initiatives, rural development assistance, and emergency response efforts. In many rural areas, these offices serve as the primary point of contact between producers and the federal government.