USDA Seeks Ideas to Crunch Farm Stats Better

2026-06173 — Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program-Income Producing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Provisions

The USDA’s Rural Housing Service wants to update its loan program so people can get loans to buy homes with one or more income-producing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This means homeowners can finance properties that include rental units or spaces for home-based work. If you’re interested, make sure to send your comments by June 1, 2026!

2026-05387 — Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program

The USDA’s Rural Housing Service is updating its Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program to let approved lenders use automated systems for making loans and getting guarantees after closing. This change helps speed up the loan process for folks buying homes in rural areas. The new rules kick in June 17, 2026, with full use starting September 28, 2028, making it easier and faster for lenders and homebuyers alike.

2026-04531 — Supplemental Disaster Relief Program and Dairy Margin Coverage Program; Correction

The USDA fixed some important rules for farmers in the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program and the Dairy Margin Coverage Program. These changes help sugar beet growers and certain crop insurance holders get the right disaster payments, and clarify who dairy farmers can qualify if they stopped milk production. The updates take effect March 9, 2026, making sure payments and eligibility are fair and clear.

2025-23089 — Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Implementation of the Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022 and Related Provisions; Correcting Amendments

This update fixes small mistakes in the WIC program rules that were made when new baby formula laws kicked in February 2024. It affects families using WIC benefits by making sure the rules are clear and correct, so they get the support they need without confusion. These corrections take effect December 17, 2025, keeping the program running smoothly and fairly.

2025-20455 — Agricultural Disaster Indemnity Programs; Approval of Information Collection Request

Farmers and ranchers hit by disasters will get help faster thanks to new approved forms and info rules. The USDA just got the green light to collect the info they need to pay out disaster aid smoothly through October 2027. This means quicker payments and clearer paperwork for those who grow our food when tough times strike.

2025-18624 — Updated Staple Food Stocking Standards for Retailers in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

This update changes the rules for stores that accept SNAP benefits, making them stock more types of staple foods like fruits, veggies, and grains. It affects retailers who want to keep helping families buy healthy food and sets clearer standards on what counts as staple foods versus snacks. These changes will roll out soon, helping ensure everyone has better access to nutritious options without extra costs for shoppers.

Previous: 2026-03496 — Rural Opportunities To Use Transportation for Economic Success Initiative: Request for Information

The Department of Transportation wants to hear from rural and Tribal communities about their transportation needs and challenges. They’re working on making it easier to find funding and get help to improve roads, bridges, and transit in these areas. You’ve got 60 days to share your thoughts and help shape better support for rural America’s transportation future!

Next: 2026-03498 — Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide From China; Determination

The U.S. government has decided to keep extra taxes on electrolytic manganese dioxide imported from China because removing them could hurt American businesses. This decision affects companies that make or use this material in the U.S. and means the current rules and costs stay in place for now. The review wrapped up in February 2026 after careful study and some delays.