Government Shutdown Deepens Uncertainty for U.S. Farmers

By Andi Anderson

The federal government shutdown that began on October 1 is creating widespread uncertainty across rural America, with farmers once again caught in the middle of political gridlock. Essential programs that farmers rely on for income stability and risk management have been put on hold, deepening concerns across the agriculture sector.

“When a government shutdown happens, you see a lot of government employees furloughed, so you see a diminishing of services,” explained Emily Buckman, director of government relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation. “About 50% of USDA’s employees have been furloughed, so there will be no administering of CRP payments, ARC-PLC payments or disaster assistance payments.”

The shutdown also halts progress on programs under the One Big Beautiful Act, passed earlier this year to deliver critical support to farmers nationwide. At the same time, the Farm Bill expired, freezing discussions that had been moving toward a new law.

“Generally, we don’t see that crisis point with the farm bill until the end of the year,” Buckman said. “But the longer the shutdown goes, the longer you take away from other conversations. We continue to urge Congress to open the government back up, come together and find a funding solution.”

The ripple effects of the shutdown extend beyond agriculture. Buckman noted that delays in federal services are being felt in areas such as transportation and food safety. “We’ve already seen effects with TSA agents and air traffic control, and we’ll start to see services diminish across all industries as days go on,” she said.

As the shutdown continues, Buckman believes the growing pressure from constituents will push lawmakers to act. “Congress doesn’t like to pass up a good crisis,” she added. “As more issues bubble up, lawmakers will begin to move toward the middle to at least agree to open the government back up later this year.”

For farmers, however, the uncertainty continues. Without USDA payments or policy clarity, many are left waiting — and worrying — about what comes next.