This article was originally published at 2:54 p.m. CDT on Thursday, April 3. It was last updated with additional information at 4:12 p.m. CDT on Monday, April 3.
**OMAHA (DTN) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has warned its 100,000-plus employees that major staff cuts are coming, offices will be closed, and people will be forced to relocate if they want to keep their jobs.
USDA employees have been given the option to quit with up to six months in pay if they choose to take it.
The USDA Office of the Secretary provided employees this week with new details on another Deferred Resignation Program (DRP 2.0) and offered some broad details about the larger shakeup in USDA staff.
Citing the president's executive order in February implementing the "Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative," the memo warned of more cuts to come. "While final plans are still under development, USDA aims to be transparent about what employees can expect."
USDA plans to further reduce the size of the workforce and consolidate offices. That includes moving more people out of Washington, D.C., or the "National Capital Region," so staff can be "closer to the farmers, ranchers, foresters, and consumers we serve."
USDA will be looking to reduce both duplicative functions -- especially in business support -- and eliminate "unnecessary management layers." The department also will be creating or designating "hub locations" where staff will be placed with others who perform similar functions.
USDA opened DRP 2.0 on Tuesday. Employees have until April 8 to decide if they want to go on paid administrative leave with benefits. Employees that elect for the paid leave will be "offboarded" -- terminated -- no later than Sept. 30, 2025.
In response to questions from DTN, a USDA spokesperson did not detail plans for agency cuts, but highlighted the DRP 2.0 program for employees.
"Under President Trump's leadership, USDA is being transparent about plans to optimize and reduce our workforce and to return the Department to a customer service-focused, farmer-first agency. By offering a deferred resignation program, we're giving employees the opportunity to take control of their next step in federal service before any changes take place," the spokesperson stated.
Other federal agencies also issued DRP 2.0 memos with deadlines for next week for staff to accept the offer.
USDA is offering the resignation program to both permanent and probationary employees. USDA had sought to terminate thousands of probationary employees in February but that move was overturned by a federal judge.
Employees over age 50 with at least 20 years of federal service -- or any employee with 25 years of federal service -- also have the option to take early retirement as well, USDA informed staff.
Employees who do not take the DRP 2.0 will not be guaranteed employment. Based on social media posts, USDA employees are already being briefed about consolidation plans and "Reduction in Force" RIF plans that the department plans to implement across agencies.
The memo to USDA staff said, "At this time, we cannot give you a full assurance regarding which positions will remain -- or where they will be located -- after USDA's restructuring but should your position be eliminated you will be treated with dignity and will be afforded the protections in place for such positions."
A federal news website for federal employees, Government Executive, reported the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) would consolidate ten regional offices down the three and cut the agency's research arm, which employs about 1,500 people.
Employees at agencies such as the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) cited on social media they had been warned of drastic cuts to staff, offices and functions.
Chris Clayton can be reached at Chris.Clayton@dtn.com
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