LUBBOCK, TX – Federal agriculture spending is running below last year, but the underlying numbers show significant shifts in where USDA dollars are flowing. Treasury reports USDA outlays totaled $188.2 billion through July, compared with $196 billion during the same period last year.
Crop insurance accounts for much of the decline. Federal Crop Insurance Corporation net outlays totaled about $14 billion, down from $17.1 billion a year earlier. Commodity Credit Corporation spending moved the other direction, increasing to $7.2 billion from $6.2 billion.
Farm Service Agency net outlays totaled $9.7 billion, slightly below last year’s $10.2 billion. Conservation and rural housing programs were also generally lower, although individual accounts varied.
One standout was rural electrification and telecommunications, with net outlays reaching $588 million, up from $66 million in the comparable period.
Monthly Treasury data can show producers how federal farm support changes as crop losses, commodity programs, rural investment, and other spending needs develop during the year.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Tracking USDA outlays monthly can reveal where federal agricultural support is increasing or retreating before broader budget totals show the shift.