USDA Reopens Offices to Assist Farmers Amid Government Shutdown

Thu Oct 23 2025 00:19:55 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will reopen around 2,100 offices nationwide to help farmers access $3 billion in aid during the ongoing government shutdown, despite criticism from some legislators.

Despite the ongoing government shutdown, the USDA plans to reopen 2,100 county offices to help farmers access vital aid, including farm loans and disaster assistance. This decision reflects the administration's commitment to support agricultural producers during critical harvest times. While some farmers have expressed dissatisfaction with President Trump's recent policies, Republican lawmakers praise the USDA's action as essential to prevent delays in essential programs for the agricultural community.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to reopen approximately 2,100 county offices across the country on Thursday, aiming to facilitate access to $3 billion in aid for farmers and ranchers amidst the ongoing government shutdown.

Each Farm Service Agency office will have two employees on site, ensuring assistance while the shutdown continues. These offices play a crucial role in helping farmers apply for key services, such as farm loans, disaster aid, and crop insurance. This action comes despite many federal employees, including air traffic controllers, working without pay during the shutdown.

A USDA spokesperson pointed to President Trump's determination to support farmers, who have traditionally backed his administration, although there has been some dissatisfaction recently regarding his policies. The reopening of these offices is seen as vital as farmers begin the harvest season.

Just this week, ranchers expressed discontent over the Trump administration's proposal to import more beef from Argentina, fearing it may hurt their profits. Similarly, soybean farmers criticized a $20 billion aid package for Argentina allowing them to sell beans to China. Many farmers are anxious for information regarding a promised government aid package to help ease the burdens of the trade war with China, which has also been delayed due to the shutdown.

“President Trump will not let the radical left Democrat shutdown impact critical USDA services while harvest is underway across the country,” stated the USDA spokesman. They confirmed that the funding is being utilized from the Commodity Credit Corporation, which focuses on agricultural price support.

While Republican officials, including Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, praised the effort, some Democrats accused the administration of politicizing farmers' needs for political gain amid the shutdown stalemate. Both parties have struggled to agree on a government funding plan since the shutdown began on October 1.

As harvest continues, stakeholders emphasize the urgency as farmers gear up for next year's planting preparations and face increasing costs. Kenneth Hartman Jr., chairman of the Corn Growers Association, stated that financial support through the reopened programs is essential for farmers during these challenging economic times.

Despite ongoing criticisms, the USDA's move to assist agriculture producers during the critical harvest period is generally viewed as essential for maintaining operations and supporting the agricultural economy.