Terminations have negative effect on local USDA offices, rural communities

In recent weeks, action taken by the federal administration has left many individuals wondering about the status of a small-town staple—the U.S. Department of Agriculture county office.

In February, the Trump administration laid off USDA staff across Nebraska and the nation by sending unexpected termination notices to probationary employees. In Nebraska, this resulted in a loss of dozens of staff that directly serve farmers, ranchers, small business owners and rural community members. On March 11, after a ruling by the Merit Systems Protection Board, USDA issued a 45-day stay on terminated emp...