Rollins Cuts Waste, Boosts Farming Support

Major Reforms to Enhance Service to U.S. Agriculture

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has initiated a series of reforms at the USDA, aimed at halting wasteful spending and enhancing operational efficiency.

Speaking to a gathering of over 400 USDA employees and stakeholders, Secretary Rollins committed to a thorough overhaul of departmental practices to better serve American agriculture.

“I welcome DOGE’s efforts at USDA because we know that its work makes us better, stronger, faster, and more efficient. I will expect full access and transparency to DOGE in the days and weeks to come,” Secretary Rollins remarked.

The reform efforts began with a critical review of existing contracts and training programs. Early actions included terminating 78 contracts worth more than $132 million, with a further 1,000 contracts under review for potential cancellation.

Contracts targeted for termination involved expenditures on media subscriptions, DEI roles, and various consulting initiatives that were deemed not aligned with the core mission of supporting American agriculture.

Secretary Rollins also eliminated all DEIA-related training programs, shifting the department's focus back to principles of unity, equality, and meritocracy. This policy change led to the discontinuation of 948 training programs, emphasizing a redirection towards more essential services.

Efforts to optimize the workforce are also underway, with strategies to reduce unnecessary roles, enforce office attendance, and relocate some departmental functions closer to agricultural heartlands, thereby supporting rural economies.

These sweeping changes mark the beginning of a strategic shift designed to ensure the USDA remains a lean, effective, and innovative department committed to supporting the nation's agricultural needs efficiently.

Through these reforms, Secretary Rollins aims to restore focus on agricultural growth and sustainability, ensuring the department's activities align closely with the needs of American farmers and the broader agricultural community.