What a Government Shutdown Means for Farmers

Lyndi Allen
October 1, 2025

From Crop Insurance to Market Data: How Farmers are Affected

The federal government shut down this week, and farmers are bracing for the ripple effects on their fields, finances, and futures. Government programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), such as crop insurance and sustainable practice programs, can hurt farmers when not operating, especially during harvest season.


The last government shutdown occurred from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019, lasting 30 days—the longest in history.


In the event of a shutdown, the Administration will determine which federal employees are essential, including those at USDA. Federal workers who are temporarily dismissed as a part of the shutdown are not allowed to answer phone calls or respond to emails.


U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)


Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • The EPA will be unable to move forward with any notice and comment rulemaking procedures, which will likely negatively impact rulemaking timelines


When the government shuts down, it impacts how information about commodities, such as crops and livestock, is collected and shared. This can create uncertainty for farmers and traders as they rely on this information to make decisions on buying and selling. This can make it challenging for farmers to plan and manage their business effectively with unpredictable market trends.


IL Corn will continue to advocate for corn farmers in legislation regardless of a government shutdown.

Group at NCERC
By Brownfield Ag October 23, 2025
Turning Corn into Opportunity: Breakthrough Research from NCERC
Shane and Charlie
By Tara Desmond October 23, 2025
Trust Starts with Listening: Lessons from the Center for Food Integrity
nitrogen
By Tara Desmond October 23, 2025
If you’re sweating in a hoodie, your nitrogen’s probably sweating too.
Black cow grazing in a green field, cornfield in the background, wind turbine, cloudy blue sky.
By Lyndi Allen October 23, 2025
U.S. cattle farmers are pushing back against a new plan to import more beef from Argentina, warning it threatens American livelihoods while doing little to help consumers.
Combine harvester at sunset, harvesting crops, with orange and yellow sky.
By Lyndi Allen October 23, 2025
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this week that its Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices will resume “core” operations beginning October 23rd, 2025.
Head Farm
By Tara Desmond October 16, 2025
In today’s world, most people are several generations removed from the farm but that doesn’t mean they aren’t curious about where their food comes from. The Illinois Farm Families (IFF) Ambassador Program was designed to bridge that gap.
Show More