Four Ag Policy Updates and Resources for Farmers 

Ag policy is changing fast, but staying informed is critical to navigating the growth pains and emerging stronger than before. 

National Ag Day is March 18, aiming to increase advocacy and raise awareness under the timely theme of “Together We Grow.” With ag policy going from zero to 100 this year, it can feel like a whirlwind trying to tread the changing tide and ensure your operation stays above water. At AgAmerica, we’re committed to being a buoy to help farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners navigate their way through both calm and turbulent waters—not only with adaptable financing solutions, but also with informative resources that help you weather the storm.  

In honor of National Ag Day and its important sentiment of unity and respect, here are four key ag policy matters to monitor as we all navigate the best path forward. 

Ag Policy Updates: Four Key Areas to Watch 

Back in December, we made some post-election predictions on the direction of ag policy. Most of those issues from 2024 have continued to be important talking points in 2025. As we step into spring, we’re breaking down four major ag policy changes right now and resources to help farm operations of all shapes and sizes navigate them.  

Avian Flu Response 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the allocation of $1 billion to fight the ongoing avian flu outbreak. In this announcement, the USDA outlined a five-pronged strategy to combat the spread of avian flu and its impact on producers and consumers.  

1. Invest in Biosecurity Measures for U.S. Poultry Producers 

The USDA will expand its Wildlife Biosecurity Assessments nationwide, starting with egg-layer facilities, citing high efficacy rates for facilities that have adopted these protocols. Additionally, USDA plans to broaden biosecurity audits, offer free assessments to affected farms, and encourage participation from surrounding operations. USDA will also cover up to 75 percent of the costs to address high-risk biosecurity gaps, with a total investment of up to $500 million. 

2. Increase Relief to Aid Farmers and Accelerate Repopulation 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will continue providing indemnity payments to producers who have had to depopulate flocks to control the spread. Additionally, new programs are being explored to streamline the repopulation approval process and accelerate recovery efforts. Up to $400 million in funding has been allocated to support both of these initiatives through the remainder of the fiscal year. 

3. Remove Regulatory Burdens that Hinder Innovation and Lower Prices 

The USDA and FDA will explore ways to expand the commercial egg supply and reduce burdens on farmers and consumers who harvest homegrown eggs. Details are limited on this, beyond limiting excessive depopulations and pushing to reduce regulations—such as California’s Proposition 12—that have contributed to regional price disparities for eggs. 

4. Explore Strategies to Protect Egg-Laying Chickens and Reduce Depopulation 

The USDA is prioritizing research into vaccines, therapeutics, and enhanced bio-surveillance to reduce the need for depopulating egg-laying chickens during HPAI outbreaks, with up to $100 million dedicated to these efforts. The agency pledged to prioritize minimizing potential export disruption caused by vaccination with trading partners and work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to balance public health considerations.  

5. Consider Short-Term Trade Options and Evaluate International Best Practices 

To address high egg prices and supply issues, the USDA is temporarily increasing egg imports and reducing exports, resulting in short-term egg price relief for consumers. Additionally, the USDA is assessing international best practices in egg production and safety to identify opportunities for boosting domestic supply and ensuring stability in the market over the long term.  

Farm Labor Program and Immigration Policies 

According to the National Agricultural Workers Survey, 68 percent of farm labor in the United States is foreign-born, and 44 percent is undocumented. One reported farmworker immigration raid in Kern County, California, occurred earlier this year prior to President Trump’s return to office. For now, there have been no additional reports to suggest farm operations will be targeted in deportation efforts.  

The importance of accessible and affordable farm labor for U.S. producers to remain competitive in the global market cannot be understated. The H-2A program exists to help migrant workers obtain temporary visas and supply farmers with labor, but the inefficiencies and expense of the program make it an unrealistic option for many.  

“We need controls on the cost of our labor. When I’m paying $23 per man hour and Mexico can grow the same crop and they’re paying $18 per day per person, that gap is insurmountable.”

– Bret Erickson, Texas Farmer 

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has expressed support for the President’s deportation policy while pledging to expand the H-2A migrant labor program in a way that works better for U.S. producers. Historically speaking, this task is easier said than done.  

Learn more about how immigration reform impacts farm labor and the challenges in the H-2A program. 

Trade Policy and Export Markets 

The U.S. agricultural trade deficit is expected to hit a record $49 billion in 2025 due to rising imports and stagnant exports. Many in the agriculture industry support the appointment of Jamieson Greer as U.S. Trade Representative, due to his prior experience in ag trade negotiations. 

“Growing trade imbalances and potential tariffs by trading partners threaten to hit rural Americans with more economic hardships at a time when they are already dealing with high supply costs and shrinking paychecks. Mr. Greer’s experience with trade issues will help create a level playing field to help farmers and ranchers compete internationally and continue to address food needs around the world.” 

– Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation President 

But Greer faces an uphill battle as China plans to target American farm exports in response to newly proposed U.S. tariffs on Chinese, Canadian and Mexican goods. On one hand, another trade war can result in permanent market share loss for U.S. farmers in the global market. On the other hand, the tariff tactics could increase domestic competitiveness and lead to stronger trade deals in the future. 

Find tariff updates and strategies farm operators can implement to reduce trade-related risk by clicking the link below.  

 Government Payments and Financial Support 

Thanks to an anticipated 356 percent increase in government payments, farm income is predicted to rise nearly 30 percent in 2025 after two years of decline. The majority of this substantial increase in government payments is attributed to ad hoc disaster relief through the American Relief Act. Despite the congressional debate over a six-month funding bill, $10 billion in disaster relief funding is now available through the Economic Assistance Program (ECAP). The application deadline is August 15, 2025.

To add to the confusion, the USDA’s conservation funding freeze enacted in February delayed payments to farmers for voluntary conservation projects under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), leaving many left to cover costs that they fronted for reimbursement under federal contracts. Since then, USDA released the first tranche of these paused funds, totaling $20 million, with additional contracts still under review.  

Learn more about how the federal funding freeze is impacting agricultural subsidies and programs.

The Road Ahead for Ag Policy: Unity in Uncertainty 

As ag policy changes continue to evolve and trade markets shift on the global stage, we must work together as an industry to navigate these evolving challenges. At its core, American agriculture is rooted in teamwork, reciprocity, and respect. Farms of all shapes and sizes play integral roles in keeping our nation fed no matter what. Even when we disagree about the solution, the importance of agriculture is unquestionable. 

AgAmerica was founded on the understanding of this universal truth and with the foresight to create financial solutions that can protect American farm families through good times and hard ones.  

We understand that part of protecting your farm and your finances is having both eyes open at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Our commitment to share timely, industry-specific ag policy updates is just one of the ways we’re redefining agricultural finance.  

Stay up to date on the latest ag policy changes on AgAmerica’s Trade and Legislation page.