USDA Reopens Offices Amid Government Shutdown to Aid Farmers

Thu Oct 23 2025 08:11:18 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Despite the ongoing government shutdown, the USDA will reopen approximately 2,100 county offices nationwide to facilitate farmers' access to vital aid programs.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to reopen roughly 2,100 county offices across the nation amidst the current government shutdown to provide farmers and ranchers access to $3 billion in aid from existing programs. While two staff members will remain on duty at each office, various political figures and groups are divided about the motives behind this decision, raising concerns about the use of agricultural support for political leverage.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to reopen about 2,100 county offices across the country on Thursday to support farmers and ranchers during the ongoing government shutdown. This initiative allows access to approximately $3 billion in aid from existing programs.

Each Farm Service Agency office will have two employees available, who will receive payment even while the shutdown persists. These offices play a crucial role in assisting farmers with farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid, and other essential services. In juxtaposition, many federal employees, including air traffic controllers, are currently working without pay due to the shutdown.

A spokesperson for the USDA emphasized that this move aligns with President Trump’s commitment to those in the agricultural sector, traditionally a strong support base. However, recent decisions have led to some discontent among farmers. For instance, ranchers expressed dissatisfaction over the idea of increased beef imports from Argentina, fearing it could adversely affect their profitability. Similarly, soybean farmers criticized a $20 billion aid package benefiting Argentina that could enable greater soybean sales to China.

“With farm country being in the middle of harvest season, producers cannot afford delays in these programs,” said North Dakota Senator John Hoeven, indicating the critical nature of the timing. Meanwhile, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley and groups like the National Corn Growers Association praised USDA’s reopening, while Democrat critics argue that farmers are being used as political pawns in the shutdown battle.

The decision to reopen offices highlights the broader tensions in Congress as both parties struggle to reach a consensus on government funding. While Republicans laud the aid effort, Democrats accuse the administration of leveraging agricultural assistance as a means of political maneuvering. The fate of farmers remains precarious as they await essential details and support in a challenging economic landscape characterized by soaring costs and market volatility.

The debate continues as Kenneth Hartman Jr., chair of the Corn Growers Association, noted the urgency for farmers to secure funding for next year’s seed and fertilizer orders while settling their current operational loans. The USDA's decision reflects the complex intertwining of agriculture and politics in the present crisis.