More Than 15,000 USDA Employees Have Taken Federal Buyout

More than 3,800 employees took the first offer back in February, and nearly three times as many took a second offer in April.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington on April 23, 2025. Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

WASHINGTON—More than 15,000 employees from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have accepted a buyout offer from the federal government, resigning or taking early retirement in exchange for months of paid leave and benefits.

Just over 3,800 workers took the first offer, which was made in February. Over 11,300 took the offer when it came around again in April.