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.
Jael Cruikshank, the newly elected Western Region Vice President, shares her story on this week’s FFA Today.
November 24, 2025 12:52 PM
·
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen reviews the history of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and outlines how shifting definitions across multiple administrations have created regulatory confusion for landowners.
November 24, 2025 12:38 PM
·
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates that the move will save farmers and ranchers $2.5 billion each year. The group warns that new methods for calculating the adverse-effect wage rate would result in lower pay for foreign workers.
November 24, 2025 11:32 AM
·
These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.
November 24, 2025 10:09 AM
·
Gary Hall, co-founder of Hollywood Impact Studios Rehabilitation, joined the program to discuss using agriculture to provide opportunities and mentorship for at-risk youth in Southern California.
November 21, 2025 02:25 PM
·
The agriculture workforce remains strong and diverse, offering meaningful pathways for students pursuing careers that support the food and farm economy.
November 21, 2025 02:13 PM
·
Screwworm.gov has targeted resources for a wide range of stakeholders, including livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health officials, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, pet owners, researchers, drug manufacturers, and the general public.
November 21, 2025 02:09 PM
·
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses industry reactions to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, the Surface Transportation Board’s review process, and current conditions on the Mississippi River.
November 21, 2025 01:59 PM
·
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association explains a new resource designed to help farmers comply with ESA-related pesticide label requirements.
November 21, 2025 01:56 PM
·
