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
Alissa White with American Farmland Trust joined us to provide insight into climate resilience efforts and strategies to help farmers manage weather-related risks.
January 14, 2026 02:20 PM
·
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share practical health and safety guidance for managing respiratory and skin health during the winter season.
January 14, 2026 02:04 PM
·
RFD News correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports from Texas on the ongoing water dispute and its implications for U.S. farmers.
January 14, 2026 12:17 PM
·
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.
January 14, 2026 11:19 AM
·
Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.
January 14, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today unveiled a bold plan to protect the nation’s prime farm and ranchland from the rapid spread of data centers.
January 13, 2026 03:36 PM
Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.
January 13, 2026 03:25 PM
·
Brent Graves, auctioneer and mentor, shares his journey supporting youth in agriculture, livestock competitions, and how he is turning junior livestock auctions into a classroom for youth in agriculture.
January 13, 2026 02:43 PM
·
China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
January 13, 2026 02:13 PM
·
