By Blake Jackson
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has urged U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to reconsider planned Farm Service Agency (FSA) office closures and service reductions in Missouri, citing concerns about their impact on farmers.
Senator Hawley request follows the Missouri FSA State Committee’s decision to reduce services at the Ralls County office beginning October 1, 2026, during a critical period for conservation and disaster assistance programs.
In his letter, Hawley acknowledged the USDA’s efforts to support agriculture, writing, “I appreciate your efforts to assist farmers as they continue to face high input costs and yearly financial losses. As you know, our nation’s producers rely on timely services from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) field offices as they work to navigate these challenges.”
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining local services, stating, “I write to request your review of pending closures and the reduction of services at Missouri Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. In particular, I am concerned about the pending reduction of services at the Ralls County FSA office on October 1, 2026. October is an incredibly important time of the year at FSA offices as several conservation and disaster program payments are distributed.”
The Senator concluded, “I urge you to use all appropriate resources and authorities at your disposal to preserve the continued operation of FSA offices in my state.”
Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy