Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told state ag leaders this week that the USDA is closely monitoring markets and is actively weighing the need for financial relief for farmers this fall. Her comments, made at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) conference in Arkansas, come amid a convergence of low commodity prices, trade disruptions, and delayed support from recent legislation.

"We are working with our colleagues in Congress and closely monitoring markets daily to evaluate the amount of additional assistance that might be needed this fall," Rollins stated.

The ag economy has shown signs of strain. Major export partners like China have significantly reduced purchases of U.S. soybeans, corn, wheat, and sorghum from the 2025 crop. No soybean contracts from China have been booked so far this marketing year, adding pressure on domestic prices and farm income stability.

Rollins acknowledged the urgency: "It is not lost on me that this course correction is coming at a time when American farmers and ranchers can least afford it." While she stopped short of offering specific programs, she confirmed the administration is actively exploring solutions.

The USDA is assessing options even as funding sources remain uncertain. The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)-the primary vehicle used during Trump's first term to deliver $23 billion in trade war relief-has dwindling resources. Congressional leaders have indicated that using tariff revenue to fund new aid may not be feasible.

In July, the administration enacted the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a wide-ranging tax and spending package that included several commodity program improvements sought by producers. However, Rollins noted that increased payments from those changes will not begin until fall 2026, leaving producers vulnerable in the interim.

"We are very aware that farmers find themselves in this transition period with a lot of weight on their shoulders," Rollins said. "Just like he did in his first term, President Trump is going to stand by his producers."

Rollins sharply criticized previous Democratic policies, blaming them for undermining agricultural strength. She accused the Biden administration of failing to enforce China's 2020-2021 commitment to buy $32 billion in additional U.S. ag goods, and said past energy and environmental policies undercut U.S. ag competitiveness.

"Energy, agriculture and the foreign policy agenda of the last administration was so driven by policies that are so antithetical to ensuring we have a strong agriculture community," she said, referencing DEI, woke agendas, and the Green New Deal.

She also invoked the memory of the 1980s farm crisis, but insisted today's circumstances are different. "It is different because President Trump cares deeply for our farmers and ranchers. The overwhelming support he received in 2016, 2020, and 2024 is something we talk about almost every time we talk-and we talk a lot," Rollins said. "He wants to ensure that we are doing everything we can to get through this and to get through it together."

The USDA's upcoming decisions could be pivotal for producers heading into harvest. With low prices, weak export demand, and delayed legislative relief, many in the ag sector are watching closely for signs of emergency support, especially as fall input costs, loan repayments, and crop insurance deadlines approach.