USDA programs are the product of good democratic compromise. While some farm constituencies may not benefit directly, as is the case with small-scale vegetable farmers and safety-net programs like Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage, they are not actively discriminated against in the rule-making. Rather, the more populous, prosperous, and influential group — row-crop producers, for example — has the loudest voice and the final say. While the outcome may not always be equitable for all of USDA's stakeholders, at least it is without nefarious intent.
It's what happens outside of USDA that creates problems.
The Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) “Farmer Fair Practices Rules,” as mandated by the 2008 Farm Bill, are designed to protect contract livestock and poultry farmers from anti-competitive, unfair, discriminatory, and downright abusive practices by vertically-integrated meat processors, who have monopolized their relative markets to a monstrous degree (see Michael Pollan's quote). It's hard to imagine arguing the worth of such a measure — tantamount to the political sacrilege of demeaning the American farmer. However, lawmakers are infinitely subject to suasion, particularly if they hail from states with large poultry companies. Since 2008, the rules have never gone into effect, neutered by what has become known as the GIPSA Rider, a recurring amendment tacked on in the appropriations process to prevent the rules from going into effect. Despite a law on the books to protect farmers, the regulations and enforcement have never made it out of the legislature ... until last fall.
