Government Shutdown: What it Means for Farmers

Like the rest of America, farmers woke up this morning and learned that the federal government is shut down.

How will the shutdown impact American agriculture? Unfortunately, we’re about to find out. For now, here’s what we know:

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has mostly gone dark. With the exception of food and grain inspections, fighting forest fires and monitoring government property, most of the department’s 100,000 employees are furloughed (put on temporary leave) and offices are closed.
• Monthly crop estimates — due Oct. 11 — will be delayed if the shutdown lasts more than a couple days. The October crop report is usually the most anticipated report of the year.
• Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Rural Development offices are closed. All FSA farm program signups, processing and payments stop during the shutdown. Ditto for farm loan applications and processing.Enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program and other conservation programs is halted.
• The Risk Management Agency (RMA) is shut down. No revenue harvest prices will be posted. No administrative and operating expenses will be paid to companies. Companies can pay crop insurance indemnities as long as they are financially able to do so, but the government cannot help.

USDA has its contingency plans posted here, but as of this morning, clicking on each link brings you to a white screen with the USDA logo on top and this message:

Due to the lapse in federal government funding, this website is not available.We sincerely regret this inconvenience.