United States
Rollins confirmed, announces reforms to USDA
Newly minted U.S. secretary of agriculture Brooke Rollins’ appointment has been confirmed by the Senate. Rollins has already announced major reforms to the USDA, outlining plans to cut spending. This includes a comprehensive review of contracts, personnel and employee programs. So far, 78 contracts worth $132 million have been terminated, with 1,000 ore under review. These contracts include media subscriptions, consulting services that are not deemed to directly benefit agriculture and training programs focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). More than 900 employee training programs have been canceled, including 758 related to DEI. The USDA also plans to eliminate what it deems as unnecessary positions, bring employees back to in-person, in-office work and relocate staff to rural areas to “better support farming communities.” More contract reviews and workforce changes are expected in the coming weeks.
U.S. tractor, combine sales fall in January
According to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), U.S. sales of ag tractors and combines fell during January 2025 compared to the year before. Tractors had the softer drop, at 15.8 percent down from 2024, while combines had a sharper decrease at 78.9 percent. AEM SVP Curt Blades said in a statement this represents a “continuation of slow sales” witnessed in 2024. Citing global concerns such as tariffs and the lack of assurance provided by the farm bill, Blades said, “These uncertainties are reflected in the softness of the ag equipment market.” Canadian sales also fell in January, with tractors down 3.1 percent and combine sales down 82.9 percent.
Canada
Alberta Federation of Agriculture appoints Aaron Stein as executive director
The Alberta Federation of Agriculture (AFA) has appointed Aaron Stein as its new executive director. Stein has held leadership roles across several sectors, including founding and managing Alberta’s first private commercial composting facility, and leading marketing initiatives at Marketing Specialties, a firm focused on supporting the agricultural sector. Additionally, he has experience with Invitrogen Corporation, where he managed a portfolio of biotechnology products tailored for agriculture. One of Stein’s immediate priorities will be overseeing the development of a comprehensive five-year strategic plan for the AFA. This plan will guide the organization’s efforts to tackle important issues such as tariff threats, climate change, water security, farm business sustainability, labor shortages and succession planning.
Ontario farmers less confident in business outlook, according to survey
Rising costs alongside political and economic uncertainty are slowing Ontario farm business growth, according to the latest Farm Business Confidence Survey conducted by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). The online survey consulted more than 1,000 OFA farm members and was conducted in December 2024. Compared to the 2024 results, Ontario farmers are focusing on maintaining the status quo and dialing back expansion and investment in their farm businesses, the OFA said in a press release. Respondents also indicated little change in their top two policy priorities overall, ranking reducing farm taxes as the top issue impacting their business followed by supporting farmers with energy costs.In Northern Ontario, compensation for wildlife damage continues to rank as a leading priority. The full press release is avaible here.