USDA ordered to rehire 6,000 fired employees

Starting March 12, all reinstated workers will receive pay – in addition to back pay – and be phased back into their regular duties.

March 12, 2025

Usda

Jonathan Weiss | Bigstock.com

Approximately 5,900 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees will temporarily return to work after being fired in February as part of the Trump administration’s reduction of the federal workforce, reported NPR.

The layoffs mainly impacted probationary employees who have worked for the government less than two years, and their reinstatement will only be for 45 days while the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) conducts an investigation.

Log in to view the full article

Brown and white dairy goats standing in a barn with hay and metal fencing

Study tests omega-3 feed additive against heat stress in calves

Show-Rite livestock feed bags for goat, cattle, lamb, swine and performance formulas displayed in a row

Hubbard folds MoorMan's ShowTec into unified feed line

Canada extends high zinc limit for piglet feed

The agency will maintain current levels while reviewing new industry data.

Piglets nursing from mother pig during feeding time on farm

Brand Insights

Optimized phytase dosing: unlocking more value from feed phytate

IFF Animal Nutrition & Health

Learn how optimized phytase dosing with Axtra® PHY GOLD can improve nutrient release, reduce feed costs and maximize feed phytate value in poultry and swine diets.

Optimized phytase dosing: unlocking more value from feed phytate

Avian Influenza

H5N1 returns to England, hits Northumberland commercial flock

All poultry on the premises near Belford will be culled after England confirms its first highly pathogenic avian influenza case of the 2026/27 season, UK government says.

White chicken with red comb eating from a trough in a farm enclosure

With FDA approval, Kemin’s chromium propionate available for livestock, poultry

Kemin Industries conducted extensive research that served as the basis for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine’s approval of the use of Kemin’s chromium propionate as a source of organic chromium in broiler breeder chicken and laying hen diets.

Regulatory Updates

FDA finalizes changes to animal food ingredient reviews

The agency's evaluation of its Food Additive Petition and GRAS Notification programs led to new review timelines, added submitter engagement and expanded data flexibility.

Regulatory Updates

Senate ag committee advances farm bill in 12-11 vote

Feed and grain groups score regulatory wins while pork producers continue the push for a Proposition 12 fix as the bill heads to the full Senate.

U.S. Capitol Building with iconic dome and neoclassical architecture surrounded by green trees

Regulatory Updates

FDA to require GRAS notifications for animal food

The proposed rule would end decades of voluntary reporting, and industry groups, legal experts and law firms are already flagging gaps that could leave newer ingredient pathways exposed.

Pet care compliance and quality assurance illustration with clipboard, magnifying glass, food bowl, and regulatory documentation.

Regulatory Updates

Moran: Farm bill should advance once Senate reconvenes

Kansas senator says SNAP remains the biggest sticking point, but he sees bipartisan room for compromise.

Senior man in navy suit speaking at Manhattan College podium during academic event

Bipartisan bill would expand grazing land to support beef industry

A bipartisan bill that would create a new voluntary grazing land restoration program that would open up to 20 million new acres for grazing has been introduced in the U.S. Senate.

Black cattle grazing in a green pasture with trees and blue sky with white clouds

Regulatory Updates

FDA proposes mandatory GRAS notification rule for animal food

The proposed rule would require manufacturers to notify FDA when they determine an added substance is generally recognized as safe, ending decades of voluntary reporting.

Regulatory Updates

Senate farm bill stalls over food aid fight

Partisan dispute over SNAP program derails legislation that would have provided relief to struggling farmers and authorized year-round ethanol sales.

U.S. Capitol Building with white dome and neoclassical architecture against clear blue sky

Regulatory Updates

FDA GRAS rule timeline pushed to December 2026

A newly released federal regulatory agenda shows the Food and Drug Administration's proposed rule on mandatory GRAS notifications has been delayed again and narrowed in scope, according to attorneys at Venable LLP.

Businessman silhouette interacting with hexagonal compliance icons including scales of justice, documents, and audit symbols

Animal Feed Regulations & Safety

Canada proposes amendments to Enhanced Feed Ban

CFIA is proposing science-based regulatory amendments related to EFB harmonization to better align Canada’s requirements with those of the U.S.

Page 1 of 33