Congressman Derek Schmidt Asks USDA to Address Staffing Shortages at Local Offices

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) has joined in 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.

The letter raises concerns from constituents about delays in application processing, payments, and contract certifications - challenges that have particularly disrupted conservation programs and the FSA loan program. Lawmakers warned that if staffing shortages persist, disruptions could spread across all USDA programs within the Farm Production and Conservation mission area.

While acknowledging USDA's recent efforts to temporarily deploy staff to underserved county offices, the letter emphasized that short-term measures are insufficient to meet long-term demand.

"To deliver on the promises made to American agriculture, USDA must ensure local offices are staffed and equipped," Congressman Schmidt said. "These programs are essential to managing risk, supporting conservation, and keeping operations running. Reliable, timely service is critical to the success of producers and rural communities across Kansas and the country."

The letter has been signed by 14 other members of Congress, including Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Austin Scott (R-GA), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), David Valadao (R-CA), Scott Franklin (R-FL), James Baird (R-IN), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Ben Cline (R-VA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), David Rouzer (R-NC), and Mike Flood (R-NE).