WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it will issue roughly half of November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits following a series of federal court orders directing the government to continue payments during the ongoing shutdown. The partial funding announcement ensures that some benefits will be distributed while legal and budgetary questions remain unresolved.
Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden said last week that USDA does not have enough money to cover the full November SNAP obligations, with current resources only sufficient to fund about half of the program’s monthly cost. He emphasized that the agency is complying with the court orders using limited contingency funds while awaiting further guidance from Congress and the White House on long-term appropriations.
Officials said state agencies are being notified of the partial funding and that payment schedules may vary. SNAP, which provides food assistance to more than 40 million Americans, typically costs over $8 billion per month to administer nationwide.
Farm-Level Takeaway: USDA will meet part of November SNAP benefits under court direction, citing insufficient funds for full payments.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
January 20, 2026 01:14 PM
·
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
·
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
January 20, 2026 11:48 AM
·
New Resource Makes It Easier for People to Access Data on Rural Development funded Projects in Rural Communities
January 19, 2026 11:50 AM
In a landmark ruling delivered in late 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court significantly narrowed the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act.
January 19, 2026 11:25 AM
·
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.
January 16, 2026 01:44 PM
·
