A raging drought, and a pandemic can change the work you do anywhere. That's especially true with leaders at USDA working with farmers and stakeholders to chart a path forward. In this episode of the Around Farm Progress podcast, Policy Editor Jacqui Fatka connects with two leaders at the agency to learn more about the work at hand and the work ahead.

First up is Zach Ducheneaux, administrator, USDA's Farm Service Agency. He talks with Jacqui about a range of topics but opens with information about an expansion of the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm Raised Fish, or ELAP. That program will now cover the cost for transporting feed into drought-stricken areas. And you might find it interesting who Ducheneaux found most supportive of the move to help livestock producers.

Second is a talk with the recently confirmed Undersecretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small. She's been in the House of Representatives and knows about critical rural issues her agency will be addressing, and she shares her ideas in this conversation with Jacqui Fatka. It's an opportunity to find out what Torres Small sees as priorities for this agency moving forward.

Give it a listen.

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