WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The Trump Administration plans to release more than $3 billion in aid to U.S. farmers and partially resume U.S. Department of Agriculture operations despite the ongoing federal shutdown.
“Thursday, USDA will resume Farm Service Agency core operations, including critical services for farm loan processing and ARC/PLC payments and programs,” a USDA Spokesperson tells RFD-TV. “President Trump is committed to supporting America’s farmers and ranchers, and this action will release billions in assistance for farmers that Democrats in Congress have held up for over 20 days.”
According to news reports from Reuters and The Wall Street Journal, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that “Thursday, USDA will resume Farm Service Agency core operations, including critical services for farm loan processing, ARC/PLC (commodity) payments, and other programs.”
Reports say the funds will be drawn from the Commodity Credit Corporation, a USDA financing vehicle previously used under the Trump administration to deliver billions in trade-related farmer support. Officials have not yet detailed the breakdown, timing, or eligibility criteria for the aid.
In a statement provided to RFD-TV News on resumed activity at the USDA on Tuesday afternoon, a USDA Spokesperson said:
“President Trump will not let the radical left Democrat shutdown impact critical USDA services while harvest is underway across the country. Thursday, USDA will resume Farm Service Agency core operations, including critical services for farm loan processing and ARC/PLC payments, and programs. President Trump is committed to supporting America’s farmers and ranchers and this action will release billions in assistance for farmers that Democrats in Congress have held up for over 20 days.”
USDA Spokesperson
Held each year in Mercedes, the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show remains a cornerstone event for the region — blending education, competition, and community, even during challenging times for agriculture.
March 17, 2026 12:13 PM
·
Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue shares the latest on the wildfires, their impact on agriculture, and the challenges farmers are facing as they navigate both natural disasters and economic uncertainty.
March 17, 2026 11:57 AM
·
For producers, the cost of doing business is no longer determined solely by feed, fuel, and weather—it is increasingly a matter of navigating the differing legal philosophies of every state line they cross.
March 17, 2026 10:00 AM
·
FFA Program Specialist Ashli Weinrich highlights how the FFA Next Gen Conference helps ag students explore career opportunities and build skills for the future.
March 16, 2026 03:59 PM
·
Vanessa Wood shares more about Ag Women Connect, the importance of uplifting women in agriculture, and upcoming projects designed to highlight stories across rural America.
March 16, 2026 03:31 PM
·
House ag leaders had hoped to get the Farm Bill voted on by Easter, but no dates have been secured just yet.
March 16, 2026 01:01 PM
·
