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
Tight fed supplies shift margin risk to packers, strengthening cattle price leverage but increasing volatility.
January 09, 2026 03:36 PM
·
Prompt removal of Christmas trees and careful handling of decorations reduce winter fire risk during an already high-demand season for emergency services.
January 09, 2026 08:00 AM
·
AFBF Economist Faith Parum provides analysis and perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program—what commodity growers should know and potential remedies for producers facing crop losses where that aid falls short.
January 08, 2026 02:45 PM
·
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
January 08, 2026 11:42 AM
·
Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.
January 08, 2026 08:00 AM
·
North Dakota CO₂ Storage Law Struck Down
January 07, 2026 03:03 PM
·
