USDA allocates $89 million, primarily in loans, to enhance utilities in rural Tennessee
On August 18, 2025, the US Department of Agriculture revealed an investment of $89 million aimed at supporting rural communities in Tennessee through enhanced utility services and infrastructure improvements. These funds primarily consist of loans. Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, located in Shelbyville, stands out as a key player in this investment, receiving the bulk […]
Applications for disaster assistance from USDA are now open
Farmers who have experienced losses in crops, trees, and grape production due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 can apply for aid through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) starting immediately. The pre-filled applications were mailed out on July 9th. Farmers can submit the FSA-526, Supplementary Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) Stage 1 Application beginning […]
USDA leader shares strategy to prevent China from owning farmland in the U.S.
President Donald Trump’s administration is aiming to prohibit Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland, with Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins stating this initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance agricultural safety. During a press event outside the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., Rollins was joined by various Cabinet officials, Republican governors, and Congress […]
Twinkle Cavanaugh named by the Trump administration as the head of USDA rural development in Alabama.
Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh has been officially appointed as the Director of Rural Development for Alabama by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a position announced by Secretary Brook Rollins on Tuesday. Cavanaugh has chaired the Alabama Public Service Commission since 2012, having first been elected state-wide in 2010. She achieved a record number of votes in […]
Yuma’s USDA office at risk of closing due to DOGE reductions
Yuma’s USDA Office Faces Uncertainty Yuma, Arizona, often referred to as the “Winter Lettuce Capital of the World,” may soon see its local USDA office shut down. This potential closure is part of broader budget cuts proposed by Elon Musk and Doge. The Ministry of Government Efficiency has indicated that closing the USDA office in […]
Tennessee students, farmers bear impact of USDA cuts to local food programs for schools, food banks • Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee students have less access to locally grown food, and Tennessee farmers lose in multi-million dollar purchases after the USDA cuts two programs funding local food for schools and food banks. Last week, USDA announced a cut of about $1 billion due to cancellation of its local Food for Schools program and the Local Food […]
USDA cuts $1M grant for Nashville urban canopy program; Nonprofit says move will hurt tree farms • Tennessee Lookout
Ending federal funds for the USDA’s program to restore tree canopies in low-income cities leaves one Nashville-based nonprofit and tree farmers that dry them high says the nonprofit organization. Cumberland River Compact It was set to receive about $1 million from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to plant approximately 5,000 trees in the Nashville area. […]
How the USDA is helping Yuma County community improve water systems
Yuma, Arizona (AZ Family) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing $21.6 million to improve water infrastructure for more than 300 homes in Yuma County. Specifically, the funds will be used to construct a wastewater system in the Orange Grove and Rancho Mesa Verde subdivisions, both rural areas located three miles east of Somerton. […]
USDA announces big investment into Yuma County – KYMA
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced great news for Yuma County on Friday. USDA Deputy Secretary Tory Small visited Somerton and presented a $21.6 million grant. USDA says these funds will help rural communities get the support they need to develop, maintain, and improve their drinking water and […]
University of Arizona Yuma senior named a Future Leader in Agriculture by USDA
He is one of only 20 students nationwide to receive this award and be invited to participate in the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Outlook Forum. Alan Crews, Agricultural Systems Management Major University of Arizona YumaWhen he asked a question to a class of high school students, he was surprised that no one raised their hands. […]