The continuing resolution is now law; what areas got a boost and how do lawmakers feel?

President Trump has signed a measure to continue funding the government through September, with some small increases to ag programs.

The continuing resolution keeps spending largely in line with last year’s levels, but there are increases at USDA for WIC. The resolution also puts overall USDA spending at around $400 million more than last year.

Areas like EPA experienced a $2 billion increase, but ethanol groups were disappointed. The legislation did not include any backings of year-round E15.

Senator Deb Fischer tells AgriPulse she is disappointed about E15 getting left behind, but says it is a good overall bill. She says it had broad support and will prove good for ag producers and consumers alike. The bill will fund the government through September, which is when the current extension of the 2018 Farm Bill expires.

Related Stories
As the government shutdown pushes the farm economy closer to the brink, Sens. Grassley and Ernst of Iowa are raising their voices for agriculture.
RFD-TV farm legal and taxation expert, Roger McOwen, joins us with his perspective on what farmers can expect from the delayed aid package.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share why Ames is uniquely positioned to support expanded USDA operations.
Iowa land values dropped 3% year-over-year. Sen. Chuck Grassley said this discomforting pattern is a harbinger of crisis for farmers, as seen in the 1980s.
Jed Bower, the incoming president of the National Corn Growers Association, joined us for his sector’s perspective on the ongoing government shutdown.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.
While this month’s WASDE report will not include updated figures on U.S. crop size, officials say it will offer a clearer picture of crop conditions in the Southern Hemisphere.
USTR Jamieson Greer signals a narrower trade deal with China, adding more market uncertainty. The Farm Bureau also supports reviewing China’s missed trade commitments under the Phase One.
Southern producers head into 2026 with thin margins, tighter credit, and rising agronomic risks despite scattered yield improvements.
Record yields and exceptionally low BCFM strengthen U.S. corn’s competitive position in global markets.