While many federal employees have to work without pay during the federal government shutdown, others are being temporarily furloughed. As a result, farmers are seeing a loss of services through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Oct. 2, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
NEW LONDON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — While many federal employees have to work without pay during the federal government shutdown, others are being temporarily furloughed.
As a result, local farmers are seeing a loss of services through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Rachel Bouressa of Bouressa Family Farm is a grazier in New London. She has about 100 cows and relies on a branch of the USDA for technical assistance with soil health and water quality.
“For farmers like me that have perennial pasture-based systems, they’re a huge resource. I say I would not be farming still today if I didn’t have NRCS,” Bouressa said.
Workers with the Natural Resources Conservation Service were supposed to come to Bouressa’s farm Wednesday to help with harvesting analysis. She said they’re a key resource to keeping farms like hers successful, in addition to offering support.
Bouressa worries about the longevity of the shutdown.
“I just wish that there could be some collaboration that doesn’t put farmers and government employees in such jeopardy,” Bouressa said.
Instead, a department spokesperson for the USDA shared a statement that reads:
The Democrat shutdown will cause real harm to American farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. President Trump has made it clear through his support of H.R. 5371 that he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people. For more information on what USDA programs and services are impacted by the Democrat shutdown, please visit https://www.usda.gov/shutdownplans
The Democrats are blocking billions in disaster relief payments from reaching farmers – relief they voted for. Senate Democrats shut down the government on the eve of one of the worst farm economies. America’s farmers and producers are left stranded because the Democrats are prioritizing billions in healthcare for illegal immigrants and transgender surgeries.
The USDA even posted a notice on its website that it will not be updated until after the shutdown.
A second branch of the USDA, the Farm Service Agency, is another resource that helps farmers with loan applications. Agents with the FSA have been furloughed, too.
Bouressa worries about what will happen to some small farms, especially those who need money for next season.
“Anyone that is a beginning farmer working with FSA and had a loan in process, well, hopefully this shutdown doesn’t cost them their farm and their dreams,” Bouressa said.
Farm loans and some payments to farmers are currently being stopped or delayed until further notice.
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