Congress Needs To Do Its Job, Duvall Says

As of Monday, the federal government has been shutdown for 12 days, and it’s not clear when the stalemate in D.C. will come to an end.  As the shutdown drags on, Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation says its effects will be felt more and more in rural America.  He added this federal shutdown could not have come at a worse time for farm country.

“Our farmers are facing a serious economic storm. Prices are low, production expenses are at record highs, and markets have been severely limited by trade disputes.  The shutdown adds more uncertainty for farmers, barely holding on.  Without local USDA offices fully open, farmers are left without critical resources, including loans and disaster payments—to help us weather this year and prepare for the next.”

Duvall added farmers want to feed people, and many are doing everything they can to hold on.

“We need Congress to do its job and reopen the government to ensure our farmers can stay in business for the health and security of our nation,' Duvall stressed.

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