November 19, 2025
www.gfb.org
Vol. 7 No. 23
SHUTDOWN OVER; FARM BILL PROVISIONS EXTENDED On Nov. 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution (HR5371) to reopen the federal government. President Donald Trump signed it into law later the same day, ending the 43-day shutdown. Georgia Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) had pushed for passage, noting farmers’ vulnerability amid rising input costs, low commodity prices and other factors placing a drag on the farm economy. “We are pleased that the federal government is back open so our farmers and ranchers can move forward with their operations with some certainty of government support,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “The impact of the shutdown is far-reaching, compounding agriculture’s vulnerability and further eroding farm viability.” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said Trump signing the bill into law will allow Congress to return its focus to policies that will improve the farm economy and expand opportunities for America’s farm families. “Farm Bureau applauds the House for its vote to end the government shutdown, swiftly following the Senate’s vote,” Duvall said. “Farmers and ranchers rely on critical USDA services and disaster relief programs during these tough economic times, as do Americans who need access to food assistance programs and other services.” Among the programs in limbo during the shutdown was the block grant program for Hurricane Helene relief for farmers. The USDA had allocated more than $531 million in grant funding for Georgia farmers, but the funds were unavailable during the shutdown. The grants will be coordinated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. At press time information regarding enrollment, disbursement and other details related to the block grants had yet to be released. Progressive Farmer reported that full services at Farm Service Agency offices are expected, including processing for loan applications that were frozen during the shutdown. The Progressive Farmer article said the bill includes $10 billion for farm loans and language preventing USDA from closing any FSA county offices. FSA would also receive $15 million to hire new employees to fill vacancies and anticipated vacancies at county offices.