The record-long partial government shutdown is likely to cost billions and has already hamstrung the nation’s 2-million or so farming operations. Everyone knows how tough it is to get back to work after a long absence. But if you’re USDA, with a huge backlog of farm program and other applications, implementing a farm bill, paying furloughed workers, and more, it’s daunting. …
USDA May Call Back Some Employees
USDA may call back many Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office workers to process farm loans and other applications, deeming those employees as “essential,” according to American Farm Bureau officials. The White House has already okayed key government services including food stamp benefits and tax refunds during the partial shutdown that affects USDA, the IRS and other departments and agencies. …
Lower Projection for World Cotton Consumption
Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) lowered its projection for world cotton consumption. Vice President of Economics and Policy Analysis for the National Cotton Council (NCC), Dr. Jody Campiche, explains why we have a lower forecast. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement …
More Details on the New Farm Bill
While implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill is being delayed by the government shutdown, Tyron Spearman looks at some of the programs that will be available once funding is restored and USDA offices have reopened. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary …
Concerns Over Timely Farm Bill Implementation
The partial government shutdown, including non-essential USDA functions, is raising producer concerns over timely farm bill implementation, ahead of this year’s planting season. As if farmers didn’t have enough problems with years of low-prices, trade and other troubles. Now, the partial government shutdown, in its second week, is unnerving producers, according to American Farm Bureau Executive Director Dale Moore. “It’s …
Some USDA Programs Continue
Due to the Federal Government shutdown, some U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) activities have been shut down or significantly reduced and some USDA employees furloughed. But, some USDA activities continue. Tyron Spearman has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary …
MFP Payment Deadline May be Extended
A majority of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wasn’t originally disrupted by the partial government shutdown, but now that it has moved into 2019, it is in various ways. One of those is sending the second round of Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments to farmers. Farm Journal said if the standoff continues, it will more than likely affect the timing …
Food Banks Struggling With Too Much Milk
A USDA program designed to buy and distribute almost $50 million in dairy products is overwhelming food pantries in Iowa and Illinois. An Associated Press article says River Bend Foodbank CEO Mike Miller says about 80,000 half-gallons of milk will be sent to food banks across the Quad City (Iowa) region through March. The large rise in milk donations comes …
Second Round of Trade Aid Payments Underway
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is moving forward on the second and final round of trade mitigation payments to farmers hurt from retaliation by America’s trading partners. Commodity producers are now eligible to receive market facilitation payments (MFP) on the second half of their 2018 production. USDA has been sending out the first round of MFP payments to producers …
Perdue Details USDA Functions in the Event of a Lapse in Federal Funding
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue detailed which functions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will remain available in the event of a lapse in government funding. “There may be a lapse in funding for the federal government, but that will not relieve USDA of its responsibilities for safeguarding life and property through the critical services we provide,” said …