Summary
Farmers in the U.S. are facing more uncertainty due to a government shutdown. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has put several programs on hold, affecting payments and loans to farmers.
Key Facts
- The USDA has furloughed employees and suspended some operations during the government shutdown.
- Essential programs like food safety and wildfire prevention will continue.
- No federal crop insurance or loans are available until funding resumes.
- Farm debts and bankruptcies have increased due to low commodity prices and high input costs.
- The immigration policies and tariffs have raised concerns about labor shortages and increased operational costs.
- 42,256 USDA employees have been furloughed, causing further delays.
- Data and trade negotiations important to farmers are on hold due to the shutdown.
- Soybean farmers are affected by the halted trade with China, and are urging for a trade agreement to regain market access.
