#USDA Rural Development

[kentuckybats]

5 Bad Credit Mortgage Options in Kentucky for Homebuyers

Bad Credit Mortgage Options in Kentucky for Homebuyers 5 Bad Credit Mortgage Options in Kentucky for Homebuyers By Joel Lobb, Senior Loan Officer | NMLS #57916 | Louisville, KY Bad Credit Mortgage Options in Kentucky | FHA, VA, USDA, and More Discover 5 bad credit mortgage solutions in Kentucky. Learn about FHA, VA, USDA, Non-QM loans, and KHC Down Payment Assistance with Joel Lobb, Mortgage…

[mortgages-by-mixon-nmls-2450250]

Unlocking Homeownership: The Benefits of USDA Home Loans for First-Time Buyers

For many first-time homebuyers, the dream of owning a home can feel out of reach. Rising property prices, stringent lending requirements, and hefty down payments often create significant barriers. However, the USDA Home Loan program, backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offers a viable solution. Designed to encourage homeownership in rural and suburban areas, these loans come with several unique benefits that can make the journey to homeownership smoother and more accessible.

1. No Down Payment Required

One of the standout features of USDA Home Loans is the absence of a down payment requirement. For many conventional loans, down payments can range from 3% to 20% of the home's purchase price, which can be a substantial financial hurdle for first-time buyers. With USDA loans, qualified buyers can finance 100% of the home’s purchase price, making it an ideal option for those who may struggle to save for a down payment.

2. Competitive Interest Rates

USDA Home Loans typically offer competitive interest rates compared to conventional loans. Because these loans are government-backed, lenders can afford to offer lower rates, making monthly payments more manageable. For first-time buyers, this can lead to significant savings over the life of the loan. Lower interest rates mean lower monthly payments, which can free up funds for other essential expenses like home maintenance or saving for future investments.

3. Flexible Credit Requirements

First-time homebuyers often worry about their credit score and whether it meets the stringent requirements set by traditional lenders. USDA loans have more flexible credit requirements, making them accessible to a wider range of buyers. While specific credit score requirements can vary by lender, many USDA loan programs accept scores as low as 640. This flexibility allows individuals with limited credit history or past financial challenges to pursue homeownership without feeling discouraged.

4. Guaranteed and Direct Loan Options

The USDA offers two types of home loan programs: the Guaranteed Loan and the Direct Loan. The Guaranteed Loan program is available to moderate-income households and is issued by approved lenders, while the Direct Loan program is intended for very low-income households and is issued directly by the USDA. This dual approach allows first-time buyers to choose a loan that best fits their financial situation and income level, further promoting homeownership across various demographics.

5. Low Mortgage Insurance Premiums

Mortgage insurance is a common requirement for loans with lower down payments, and it can add to monthly expenses. USDA loans feature low mortgage insurance premiums compared to other low or no down payment options. This means that first-time buyers can enjoy the benefits of homeownership without the burden of exorbitant insurance costs, making monthly budgeting easier.

6. Promotes Rural Development

In addition to the personal benefits for homeowners, USDA Home Loans serve a broader purpose by promoting growth and development in rural areas. By making homeownership more accessible, these loans contribute to the economic stability and vitality of rural communities. First-time buyers not only gain a place to call home but also become part of a larger initiative aimed at improving rural living conditions and boosting local economies.

7. Potential for Refinancing

Once first-time buyers have established equity in their homes, they may have opportunities for refinancing down the line. USDA loans can be refinanced through programs such as the USDA Streamlined Assist program, which allows homeowners to reduce their interest rates and monthly payments with less paperwork and minimal costs. This feature adds long-term financial flexibility and stability for buyers.

Conclusion

For first-time homebuyers, USDA Home Loans present a unique opportunity to step onto the property ladder without the common barriers associated with traditional financing. With benefits like no down payment, competitive interest rates, flexible credit requirements, and support for rural development, these loans are not just a financial product but a pathway to achieving the American dream of homeownership. By taking advantage of USDA Home Loans, first-time buyers can make informed decisions that lead to lasting stability and fulfillment in their new homes.

Contact me today to begin your homeownership journey.

Lanny Mixon #NMLS 2450250

Private Mortgage Advisors, LLC

312 Hemphill St.

Hattiesburg, MS 39402

lmixon@dlhpma.com

[batboyblog]

Things Biden and the Democrats did, this week #7

Feb 23-March 1 2024

The White House announced $1.7 Billion in new commitments from local governments, health care systems, charities, business and non-profits as part of the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities. The Challenge was launched with 8 billion dollars in 2022 with the goal of ending hunger in America by 2030. The Challenge also seeks to drastically reduce diet-related diseases (like type 2 diabetes). As part of the new commitments 16 city pledged to make plans to end hunger by 2030, the largest insurance company in North Carolina made nutrition coaching and a healthy food delivery program a standard benefit for members, and since the challenge launched the USDA's Summer EBT program has allowed 37 states to feed children over the summer, its expected 21 million low income kids will use the program this summer.

The US House passed a bill on Nuclear energy representing the first update in US nuclear energy policy in decades, it expands the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and reduces reducing licensing fees. Nuclear power represents America's single largest source of clean energy, with almost half of carbon-free electricity coming from it. This bill will boost the industry and make it easier to build new plants

Vice President Harris announced key changes to the Child Care & Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program. The CCDBG supports the families of a million American children every month to help afford child care. The new changes include capping the co-pay families pay to no more than 7% of their income. Studies show that high income families pay 6-8% of their income in childcare while low income families pay 31%. The cap will reduce or eliminate fees for 100,000 families saving them an average of over $200 a month. The changes also strength payments to childcare providers insuring prompt payment.

The House passed a bill making changes to the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program. The 8(a) is an intensive 9 year program that offers wide ranging training and support to small business owners who are socially and economically disadvantaged, predominantly native owned businesses. Under the current structure once a business reaches over 6.8 million in assets they're kicked off the program, even though the SBA counts anything under $10 million as a small business, many companies try to limit growth to stay on the program. The House also passed a bill to create an Office of Native American Affairs at the SBA, in order to support Native-owned small businesses.

The White House and HUD announced steps to boost the housing supply and lower costs plans include making permanent the Federal Financing Bank Risk Sharing program, the program has created 12,000 affordable housing units since 2021 with $2 billion and plans 38,000 additional units over ten years. As well as support for HUD's HOME program which has spent $4.35 billion since 2021 to build affordable rental homes and make home ownership a reality for Americans. For the first time an administration is making funds available specifically for investments in manufactured housing, $225 million. 20 million Americans live in manufactured housing, the largest form of unsubsidized affordable housing in the country, particularly the rural poor and people in tribal communities.

The Department of Energy announced $336 million in investments in rural and remote communities to lower energy costs and improve reliability. The projects represent communities in 20 states and across 30 Native tribes. 21% of Navajo Nation homes and 35% of Hopi Indian Tribe homes remain unelectrified, one of the projects hopes to bring that number to 0. Another project supports replacing a hydroelectric dam in Alaska replacing all the Chignik Bay Tribal Council's diesel power with clear hydro power. The DoE also announced $18 million for Transformative Energy projects lead by tribal or local governments and $25 million for Tribal clean energy projects, this comes on top of $75 million in Tribal clean energy projects in 2023

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg put forward new rules to ensure airline passengers who use wheelchairs can travel safely and with dignity. Under the planned rules mishandling a wheelchair would be a violation of the ACAA, airlines would be required to immediately notify the passenger of their rights. Airlines would be required to repair or replace the wheelchair at the preferred vendor of the passenger's choice as well as provide a loaner wheelchair that fits the passenger's needs/requirements

The EPA launched a $3 Billion dollar program to help ports become zero-emission. This investment in green tech and zero-emission will help important transportation hubs fight climate change and replace some of the largest concentrations of diesel powered heavy equipment in America.

the EPA announced $1 Billion dollars to help clean up toxic Superfund sites. This is the last of $3.5 billion the Biden administration has invested in cleaning up toxic waste sites known as Superfund sites. This investment will help finish clean up at 85 sites across the country as well as start clean up at 25 new sites. Many Superfund sites are contained and then left not cleaned for years even decades. Thanks to the Biden-Harris team's investment the EPA has been able to do more clean up of Superfund sites in the last 2 years than the 5 years before it. More than 25% of America's black and hispanic population live with-in 5 miles of a Superfund site.

Bonus: Sweden cleared the final major barrier to become NATO's 32nd member. The Swedish Foreign Minster is expected to fly to Washington to deposit the articles of accession at the US State Department. NATO membership for Sweden and its neighbor Finland (joined last year) has been a major foreign policy goal of President Biden in the face of Russian aggressive against Ukraine. Former President Trump has repeatedly attacked NATO and declared he wants to leave the 75 year old Alliance, even going so far as to tell Russia to "do whatever the hell they want" with European NATO allies

[thoughtlessarse]

Forget DEI buzzwords—the Trump administration’s government censorship ordinance is now infringing on language that will make it nearly impossible for agencies to do their job. A leaked memo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Research Service division revealed Sunday that the agency has banned some key language from its vocabulary, including the words “climate” and “vulnerable,” as well as the phrase “safe drinking water.” Other baffling entries on the memo’s banned language list are “greenhouse gas emissions,” “methane emissions,” “sustainable construction,” “solar energy,” and “geothermal,” as well as “nuclear energy,” “diesel,” “affordable housing,” “prefabricated housing,” “runoff,” “microplastics,” “water pollution,” “soil pollution,” “groundwater pollution,” “sediment remediation,” “water collection,” “water treatment,” “rural water,” and “clean water,” among dozens of others. “When evaluating agreements, those entries that include these terms or similar terms cannot be submitted,” wrote Sharon Strickland, the USDA’s Northeast area financial management, travel and agreements section head, in an internal March 20 email. The review will “ensure that we maintain compliance with the Administration’s EOS.” It’s unclear how the guidance would do anything other than completely hinder the department’s ability to monitor the health and edibility of crops, or aid America’s rural development—some of its primary functions. What is clear, however, is that purging such basic speech will stifle scientific research and discourse.

continue reading

[darkmaga-returns]

The Trump administration directed the USDA to remove climate change references from its websites, signaling a move away from climate-focused regulations seen as burdensome to farmers.

USAID’s climate initiatives, like "$150 billion net-zero strategies" and projects in developing nations, are criticized for prioritizing ideology over practical agricultural productivity and food security.

Programs aimed at reducing carbon emissions or promoting "climate-smart" agriculture are deemed counterproductive, as CO? is essential for plant growth, and such measures often hinder farming efficiency.

U.S. farmers risked losing competitiveness due to restrictive climate policies (e.g., methane reduction mandates), while countries like China and India prioritized high-yield, fossil fuel-based agriculture.

Trump’s withdrawal from agreements like the Paris Accord is framed as a win for U.S. farmers, ending costly, impractical climate mandates and refocusing on productivity and rural economic needs.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Antarctic fungi hold potential for biobased farm inputs

Brazilian and American scientists discover two promising compounds in microorganisms collected from Southern Ocean sediment

Brazilian and American scientists have discovered that a fungus found in marine sediments of the Southern Ocean in Antarctica could potentially produce antifungal and phytotoxic substances beneficial to plant nutrition. This groundbreaking research, reported first by Globo Rural, is expected to lead to the development of new biopesticides.

The fungus Penicillium palitans was collected at more than 400 meters deep and underwent laboratory analyses that identified two major compounds: penienone and palitantin.

“Penienone demonstrated strong antifungal and phytotoxic activity, completely inhibiting the germination of bentgrass seeds, even at low concentrations. The compound was also effective against Colletotrichum fragaria, a pathogenic fungus causing anthracnose in various crops. On the other hand, palitantin exhibited moderate phytotoxic effects,” explained in a statement Embrapa Meio Ambiente, a state-owned research network among the parties conducting the study.

The research also involves the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). According to UFMG researcher Débora Barreto, Antarctica harbors an under explored microbial biodiversity, with organisms adapted to extreme conditions such as freezing temperatures and high salinity.

Continue reading.

[wachinyeya]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced today an investment of $70 million in seven creative and visionary agricultural projects to transform the U.S. food and agricultural system and sustainably increase agricultural production in ways that also reduce its environmental footprint.

This Fiscal Year 2023 investment is part of the Sustainable Agricultural Systems program area of NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, the nation’s leading and largest competitive grants program for agricultural sciences.

The innovative program focuses on a broad range of needed research, education and Extension solutions – from addressing agricultural workforce challenges and promoting land stewardship to addressing climate change impacts in agriculture and filling critical needs in food and nutrition.

“Agriculture is facing a multitude of complex challenges,” said Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics. “We need all hands on deck developing creative, sustainable and strategic ways to feed, clothe and fuel future generations.”

The $10 million awards are for coordinated agricultural projects (CAPs), which are larger-scale and longer-term investments that integrate research, education and Extension efforts. These projects promote collaboration, open communication, information exchange and reduce duplication efforts by coordinating activities among individuals, institutions, states and regions.

“These research investments support exciting projects that integrate innovative systems-based thinking, methods and technologies to establish robust, resilient, and climate-smart food and agricultural systems,” said NIFA Director Dr. Manjit Misra. “These visionary projects will improve the local and regional supply of affordable, safe, nutritious and accessible food and agricultural products, while fostering economic development and rural prosperity in America.”

Explore the seven projects, which include the following:

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Erin Silva is leading a collaboration with the Great Lakes Intertribal Food Coalition, the Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council, and the Menominee Nation on a transdisciplinary project that aims to scale up traditional Indigenous food production practices — practices that for generations have already been climate-smart and sustainable — by expanding production, processing, storage, and distribution systems, as well as education and Extension programs, that are needed to support integrated crop-livestock systems, cover crops, and rotationally-grazed cattle and pastured chickens.

At the University of Maine, Dr. Hemant Pendse is leading an integrated research, education and Extension effort to advance the bioeconomy by developing biorefinery technologies that will make the millions of tons of available low-grade woody biomass – which currently has a very limited market – more commercially viable in both the sustainable aviation fuel and fish feed sectors.

At Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Dr. Muthu Bagavathiannan is leading a project that seeks to transform cotton production in the southern United States into a more sustainable, climate-smart enterprise by applying improved precision management practices to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; enhance pest control, and nutrient and water management; and address labor challenges while creating new market opportunities.

AFRI, which also makes grants in the Foundational and Applied Sciences and Education and Workforce Development program areas, is designed to improve plant and animal production and sustainability, and human and environmental health. Grants are available to eligible colleges, universities, and other research organizations.

[meret118]

Millions of dollars worth of deliveries to food banks in six states have reportedly been abandoned without explanation – a move from the Trump administration that could cripple organizations' abilities to meet the needs of struggling families across the country.

That’s according to a new report in Politico, which highlighted Wednesday that the new development canceling $500 million allocated as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Food Assistance Program for food banks deliveries comes after the USDA separately cut two other food programs. Those cuts pulled the plug on over $1 billion in federal spending lined up for schools and food banks to purchase goods from area farms.

Late Friday night, March 14, President Donald Trump issued an executive order telling federal agencies to cut the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) "to the maximum extent." The CDFI Fund, established via the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994, provides loans to small businesses in poorer areas — urban and suburban as well as rural — that are underserved by banks. Source

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this press release from the Department of the Interior:

Today, the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce released a report outlining recommendations to enhance community-led economic development by creating jobs in the sustainable forest product sector and outdoor recreation while supporting healthy, resilient forests. This report was developed in response to climate change impacts, workforce and housing shortages, and barriers to intergovernmental coordination in rural forest-dependent communities and builds on President Biden’s Executive Order on Strengthening the Nation’s Forests, Communities, and Local Economies (E.O. 14072), which he signed on Earth Day 2022.  

The report’s release comes during Climate Week, as the Biden-Harris administration continues demonstrating its commitment to addressing the climate crisis. 

America’s forests provide millions of jobs and underpin local economies, particularly in rural communities. The Biden-Harris administration is mobilizing historic resources to help these forests and communities thrive. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and Great American Outdoors Act—in addition to annual appropriations—the Administration is providing historic funding for wildfire risk reduction, innovative forest products that create jobs, restoration and forest management to help our forests better withstand extreme weather events, outdoor recreation investments such as campgrounds, and research and development programs. The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management’s 21st Century Blueprint for Outdoor Recreation, USDA Forest Service’s Reimagine Recreation initiative and Department of Commerce’s U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation program are also advancing public lands management and the outdoor recreation and tourism industries, for the benefit of current and future rural communities.  

Today’s report provides recommendations to further these efforts by encouraging greater collaboration among federal agencies to deliver the resources and services that rural, forest-dependent communities need and to foster economic resilience.

The report proposes fostering community resilience by better connecting communities with the many existing tools to navigate climate-based risks in a way that also builds sustainable economic development and healthy forest practices. In addition, coordination across the federal government and with partners can help communities tap into existing resources to pursue their economic development plans and address bottlenecks or barriers to delivering support.  

The report also emphasizes how forests benefit underserved communities, including Tribes, which are disproportionately affected by climate impacts. For example, the Interior Department and Forest Service's Equity Action Plans seeks to enhance Tribal co-stewardship and promote equitable access to cultural and recreational opportunities for all communities. 

[kentuckybats]

USDA Rural Housing Loans in Kentucky

Kentucky USDA Loans: A Homeowner’s Guide USDA Rural Housing Loans in Kentucky Best for buyers in rural areas with moderate incomes. Down Payment: 0% Credit Score: 620 to 640+ preferred Income Limits: Varies by household size and county Location: Must be USDA-eligible rural area Mortgage Insurance: Annual guarantee fee required Pros: No money down Low monthly mortgage…

[zeuscommercial]

Unlocking Business Growth: Essential Financing Solutions for Your Company

The requirement of effective financing solutions is important for expansion and survival in the current global business dynamics. Be it a young startup or a well-established firm like the multitude of investment companies around, it is necessary to understand the different available financing options and their implications on the business’s goals. Zeus Commercial Capital focuses on offering a range of monetary solutions in line with the market segments to reach various customers. In the following sections, you will find a discussion of some important sources of financing such as corporate credit cards, working capital loans, SBA working capital loans, USDA commercial real estate loans and loans under the USDA Rural Energy for America Program.

Corporate Credit Cards: A Convenient Financial Tool

Corporate credit cards can also be beneficial for companies as it allows easy expense management. Such cards ease the purchasing process by allowing employees to make required purchases rather than seeking for approval from their superiors which might be a lengthy process. Additionally, corporate credit cards are usually associated with reward programs, cash-back and even tracking of expenses making them a helpful tool in organizing the business and saving money.

Whereas the general use of corporate credit cards is permitted, this should be accompanied by the development of internal guidelines with regards to their usage. This makes it possible for the employees to be aware and practice proper self-regulatory control over their spending on the company’s behalf and equally ensure that the company’s finances are well managed. By doing that, you will appreciate the advantages of the corporate credit card features while at the same time preventing the potential dangers.

Working Capital Loans: Fueling Daily Operations

It is important for many organizations to maintain adequate levels of cash flow on a daily basis. This is where working capital loans come in helpful as the funds are readily available to cater for any short term obligations such as payrolls, stock or any emergency expenses. Such type of loans is usually less complex in nature than conventional loans and for this reason they present a perfect solution for any business that finds itself in a situation where funds are needed urgently.

At Zeus Commercial Capital we realize that each day comes with challenges in ensuring that your business runs efficiently and successfully. Our working capital loans offer you the flexibility of using the money for anything that your venture considers necessary. We offer competitive rates and terms to assist you get the CTA financing needed to keep your business activities running smoothly.

SBA Working Capital Loans: Supporting Small Businesses

Another great funding option for small businesses would be the working capital loans offered by the Small Business Administration. These loans are effectively guaranteed by the government thereby minimizing the risk for the lenders. This encourages them to come up with more attractive terms for business loans. This is why working capital loans from the SBA are provided to a wide range of businesses even to those that may not be eligible for conventional financing.

SBA working capital loans notably come with long repayment period and lower interest rates. This can help a small business owner to find a management strategy that will work for him in settling the loan. An SBA working capital loan may be an appropriate answer for business owners who wish to grow their businesses while minimizing the effect of large monthly repayments.

USDA Commercial Real Estate Loans: Investing in Your Future

When it comes to loans for businesses located in rural areas, the importance of USDA commercial real estate loans cannot be overlooked. The purpose of these loans is to promote the establishment of commercial properties in rural areas including, but not limited to, offices, retail, and industrial spaces.

Such loans are available at lower interest rates with longer repayment periods, which is ideal for companies intending to invest in improving their facilities. Opting for USDA financing allows you to benefit from the federal assistance that is meant for the improvement of rural areas and at the same time to obtain the necessary finances for business expansion.

USDA Rural Energy for America Program Loans: Sustainable Growth

Keeping sustainability a key concern in contemporary times, the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loans present a viable means for companies to invest in energy efficient projects. These loans are meant for rural enterprises that wish to install renewable energy systems and enhance their energy efficiency.

Taking out a USDA REAP loan allows you to cut down on your running expenses and make the world a cleaner place. Indeed, this program proves the willingness of the authorities to promote rural development by helping the businesses operate in the environmentally friendly manner.

Conclusion:

The importance of knowing the various financing options cannot be overemphasized for any business aspiring to expand in the modern-day environment. Zeus Commercial Capital can assist you, be it corporate credit cards for monthly payments, working capital loans for urgent expenses, or USDA loans for real estate deals.

Our team of specialists is committed to assisting you in identifying the most suitable financial option for your needs. You are not only assured of our products, such as SBA working capital loans or loans under the USDA Rural Energy for America Program, to help your business grow, but also to arm you properly to nurture that growth. If you are looking forward to assessing your financing options and growing your business, reach out to us. Allow Zeus Commercial Capital drive your business forward!

[coochiequeens]

Did you know that women are responsible for roughly half of the world’s food production? The United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer gives the global community a chance to highlight that fact and celebrate the incredibly important role women play in ensuring global food security. At the same time, it’s an unprecedented opportunity to underscore – and to address – the myriad social and economic challenges that women in agriculture face worldwide.

We’re so proud of USDA’s role in leading U.S. government efforts to introduce and generate support for the resolution, which was cosponsored by 123 other nations and passed by the UN General Assembly in May. This marked the first time in history that the United States was the lead sponsor of an “international year” at the UN, demonstrating just how important the role of women in agriculture is to our department, our nation and the world.

That’s why last week we hosted a gathering of more than 200 partners and stakeholders on USDA’s Whitten Patio (along with another 800 who joined us online!) to celebrate the resolution’s passage and to begin networking and sharing ideas for how to make the 2026 observance of the International Year of the Woman Farmer a momentous and transformational one.

In addition to the many female agricultural leaders in attendance, we were joined onstage by Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur, who also serves as president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and Lauren Phillips, who serves as Deputy Director of Rural Transformation and Gender Equality at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. We’re grateful to them for sharing their insights and experiences and we’re also grateful that U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas Greenfield was able to join us via video to issue a call to action.

“The International Year of the Women Farmer offers governments, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders the opportunity to better understand the challenges women face, help close the gender gap and get us closer to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said. “Together, let's amplify the voices of women farmers and better understand their financial and technological needs. Let's ensure access to credit markets, education and technology and build strong networks for mentorship and knowledge exchange. Let’s support changes in social norms that empower women farmers and implement policies that give them access and control over their land.”

We’re deeply grateful for the hard work women farmers do day in and day out to feed our nation and our world. As we continue along the road towards 2026, we encourage everyone to join our efforts to elevate and empower women in agriculture worldwide. You can learn more at www.usda.gov/iywf.

[elljayvee]

Similarly, a lot of the work that the Biden administration implemented at the USDA was aimed at things like agricultural workforce development, rebuilding food value chains, and helping small farms and businesses access markets and logistical support, with the goal of helping revitalize rural communities and develop urban-rural connections. It was very exciting and lots of people were hoping to transition from "barely making it" to "stable" under these programs.

The current USDA? The funding for that kind of work is frozen, but the subsidies for huge commodity crop farmers? those have increased. THAT money's flowing.

What sucks is that the US, due to the Build Back Better Plan (with legislation like the IRA and the IIJA and CHIPS and so forth) actually was re-establishing a really solid manufacturing and industrial sector and creating a lot of opportunities for new jobs to replace outdated industries and professions, particularly in rural and geographically diverse areas...only for it all to become totally fucked by Trump and the GOP and their bullshit.

We had a flourshing domestic manufacturing and industrial sector, in places that often got overlooked by policies and governments. And it's all being slaughtered.

[indoorverticalfarmingnews]

Ag BIO Act Reintroduced to Strengthen U.S. Rural Economy and Advance Biomanufacturing

Key Takeaways The bipartisan Ag BIO Act was reintroduced in the 119th Congress. Led by Representatives Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), the legislation aims to boost rural economic growth and bioeconomy innovation. The bill will modernize and expand USDA programs to support biorefinery construction and bioproduct development. Corn Refiners Association (CRA) supports the bill as part…

[cavenewstimestoday]

Turmoil at USDA Rural Development may diminish aid for small towns and farms

The USDA Rural Development is a lifeline to economically depressed rural towns where Trump is popular but the Trump Administration has damaged the agency. JUANA SUMMERS, HOST: It’s been a turbulent couple of months at the government agency committed to helping rural economies. It’s called USDA Rural Development, and the turmoil it faces may erode a major source of federal aid for small towns and…