Terminations have negative effect on local USDA offices, rural communities

In recent weeks, action taken by the federal administration has left many individuals wondering about the status of a small-town staple—the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) county office.
In February, the Trump administration laid off USDA staff across the nation by sending unexpected termination notices to probationary employees. This resulted in a loss of thousands of staff that directly serve farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and rural community members. On March 11, after a ruling by the Merit Systems Protection Board, USDA issued a 45-day stay on terminated employees, returning them to paid status. However, questions remain about what the future holds beyond the 45-day mark.
USDA staff at the local and state levels provide valuable services to the communities they serve. Natural Resources Conservation Service staff help producers implement farming and ranching practices that build soil health and protect water quality. Farm Service Agency staff process farm loans and disaster assistance. Rural Development staff assist with rural housing and energy projects.

Cuts to these staff mean that many producers and rural community members will face delays in accessing important services or not receive essential services at all. In addition, layoffs mean that remaining employees are left with more work, culminating in the slower processing of grant applications and loans.
The ramifications of laying off state- and county-level federal employees extend beyond the agency itself. These employees are most often members of the rural communities they serve, spending their income and making personal investments in local businesses, education, and community development.
Local USDA employees deserve better, including respect in their employment and a stable working environment. Congress must act to protect jobs that serve and employ rural people. While these positions may be expendable in the eyes of the administration, the services they provide are invaluable to the communities they serve.