Recent mass layoffs at the USDA have sparked widespread concern among employees and agricultural stakeholders about the potential impact on pets, cattle, and crops. Former employees claim that these terminations have severely weakened USDA initiatives, leaving programs crucial to animal welfare and food security vulnerable. With only one scientist remaining at the USDA’s Farm Animal Welfare Research Lab and ongoing reductions in agricultural research, experts fear that the long-term effects could harm agricultural stability and sustainability. Lawmakers, including Klobuchar and other Agriculture Committee Democrats, have pressed the USDA for answers, while dairy research and federal support across regions, including Madison and Oklahoma, face significant challenges. Despite claims by representatives like Dusty Johnson that the layoffs will not affect farmers, many in the industry are expressing alarm over the potential damage to the food supply and agricultural support services essential for their livelihoods.