Shutdown Hitting Crucial Tools for Farmers

The government shutdown is hitting farmers and ranchers in multiple ways.

Politico points out that the shutdown is stalling the delivery of farm loans, the release of critical market reports, and the Administration’s plan for emergency assistance for farmers.  Producers who grow wheat, corn, and soybeans have been weathering uncertainty for months, including tariff troubles and high input costs for things like machinery and fertilizer.

Politico added every day the government isn’t open adds to the anxiety in farm country, especially as growers are harvesting crops and having to pay bills and their banks.  The risks of farm bankruptcies continue to climb this year.

A New York Times report said the shutdown is interfering with planning for next year as farmers have to make decisions about what’s ahead in 2026.  Those plans depend on information only the federal government can provide, including market data and available loans.

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