USDA Creates Five Regional Hubs, Moves 2,600 Employees from Washington

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is undergoing a significant reorganization that includes relocating approximately 2,600 employees from Washington, D.C. to five regional hubs, one of which is Indianapolis. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized that this move is designed to reduce costs, streamline operations, and bring the department closer to the people it serves, aligning with President Trump's agenda to enact real change in Washington. The reorganization aims to align the USDA's workforce with budget realities, eliminate bureaucratic redundancies, and maintain uninterrupted critical services such as national forest safety and agricultural inspections. Key stakeholders, including Indiana Senators Jim Banks and Todd Young, praised the decision, highlighting the economic benefits for Indiana and the improved efficiency for the USDA. The department also reported workforce reductions largely through voluntary retirements, while ensuring critical positions remain filled despite a federal hiring freeze. Overall, the transition signals a strategic shift to decentralize the USDA and enhance its focus on supporting American agriculture nationwide.