
Rancher Joe Schumacher’s Six-Year Fight Against the USDA and FSA
South Dakota cattle rancher Joe Schumacher joins Trent Loos on Rural Route to share his six-year battle with the USDA and Farm Service Agency (FSA). After accepting COVID relief payments, Joe was audited and ruled to own zero cattle despite running 250 to 300 head. He says officials ignored calving records, veterinary bills, tax returns, and neighbor letters, then demanded roughly $28,000 in repayment and penalties. Joe alleges false testimony from FSA employees, describes the toll on his mental and physical health, and calls on farmers and ranchers to share their stories and demand accountability and reform within the USDA.







