The government shutdown comes at a time when farmers are already facing a significant number of headwinds. China is not purchasing soybeans from the United States, prices for commodities are low, and input costs are high. United States Senator (R-IA) and Iowa farmer Chuck Grassley says the government shutdown adds to farmer headaches.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune says farmers will be negatively affected by the shutdown, but they are not alone.
Nearly half of USDA’s staff is furloughed, and Senator Grassley says that it could result in negative knock-on effects for farmers.
The government shutdown went into effect at 12 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1st.
