A shutdown of the U.S. government could disrupt the 2026 planting season for American farmers.

In the United States, the federal government has halted operations due to a lack of compromise between Republicans and Democrats regarding funding. Farmers have already felt the impact, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has stopped processing loans and payments to farmers, including compensation programs for natural disaster relief. This is reported by Reuters. For producers already suffering from low grain prices, record debts, and a trade war with China, the situation is becoming increasingly difficult. During government shutdowns, a significant portion of civil servants go on unpaid leave, blocking many processes. According to the action plan for a "shutdown," the USDA leaves only critical services operating—such as nutrition programs or food inspection. Meanwhile, other areas—including loans, insurance, payments to farmers, and technical support for farmers—are effectively halted. For farmers, this means serious financial risks. "Every day of harvest requires ...