Farm Groups React as Trump Signs Bill Ending Longest Shutdown in U.S. History

Marking the end of the longest shutdown in U.S. history, President Trump on Wednesday signed a spending package to reopen the government.

The president’s signature came days after the Senate’s vote and just hours after the House’s vote to end the shutdown.

Agricultural groups and politicians have been responding to the developments all week, using the opportunity to advocate for farmers across the nation. From commending and applauding, to calling the developments “the bare minimum,” here’s what they’ve been saying. 

Agricultural Groups

American Farm Bureau Federation

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is the nation’s largest farmer-run organization and serves farmers in all 50 states.

In a statement Tuesday, AFBF President Zippy Duvall “applauded” the Senate’s Monday vote and urged the House to act quickly.

“Farm Bureau commends the Senate for voting to end the government shutdown, ensuring that farmers and ranchers can continue to rely on critical USDA services and disaster relief to keep their farms running and also ensure Americans maintain access to food assistance programs.

“We also appreciate the Senate’s action to extend the U.S. Grain Standards Act and key farm bill programs, as well as authorizing USDA’s 2026 budget. These actions, along with the improvements to farm programs in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, will provide much-needed certainty for farmers as we work with Congress to pass a modernized five-year farm bill.

“Farm Bureau urges members of the House to act swiftly and pass this legislation so it can reach President Trump’s desk without delay.”

After the House vote late Wednesday, AFBF issued another statement:

“Farm Bureau applauds the House for its vote to end the government shutdown, swiftly following the Senate’s vote. 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.

“We urge President Trump to quickly sign the continuing resolution so Congress can return its focus to policies that will improve the farm economy and expand opportunities for America’s farm families.”

Corn Refiners Association

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the U.S.

On Tuesday, CRA President and CEO John Bode released a statement “welcoming” the development in the Senate and urging continued action.

“CRA strongly supports ending the government shutdown and welcomes this important step toward restoring stability for American farmers, workers, and rural communities,” said Bode. “We are encouraged that the legislation extends authority for USDA’s BioPreferred Program — an essential initiative that drives demand for U.S. agricultural products and strengthens domestic bioproduct manufacturing. However, without sufficient funding, the program cannot fulfill its mission. We urge USDA to prioritize the resources needed to resume BioPreferred operations and call on Congress to ensure full funding moving forward. American agriculture and the growing bioeconomy depend on it.”

National Association of Wheat Growers

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) is the “primary policy representative in Washington, D.C., for wheat growers, working to ensure a better future for America’s growers, the industry and the general public.”

NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer issued the following statement Wednesday:

“NAWG welcomes Congress’s decision to reopen the federal government. This action provides critical funding to restart full USDA operations and the essential services that America’s farmers depend on to grow safe and nutritious food. Today’s vote by Congress also continues support for vital wheat research to benefit growers and consumers in the U.S.

“While this is a positive step, America’s wheat growers call on Congress to turn toward a long-term, bipartisan farm bill that provides clarity and certainty in turbulent times with low commodity prices and high input costs. In addition, Congress must prioritize fully reauthorizing the U.S. Grain Standards Act to facilitate market stability and confidence in U.S. wheat exports.”

National Cattleman’s Beef Association

The National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898 and is the largest association of cattle producers in the U.S.

NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane released the following statement late Wednesday:

“American cattle producers need the federal government running at full capacity to provide critical services and market data. We thank Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Thune for passing the funding package to end the shutdown and extend the farm bill. While we’re grateful to the Trump administration for easing the burden of the shutdown on producers, it still caused widespread disruptions, and we are glad it is now resolved.”

National Corn Growers Association

Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) represents more than 36,000 dues-paying corn growers in 48 states, and the interests of more than 300,000 farmers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their state.

In response to Wednesday’s development, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower released the following statement:

“The actions from Congress come as a relief to the nation’s corn growers who use federal programs for farm loans, grants, and technical assistance.

“Corn growers also see today’s development as an inflection point. We are approaching year’s end, and, despite opportunities to do so, Congress has not voted on legislation that would allow consumers across the country to access E15 year-round. Passage of this legislation would bolster the nation’s energy security, save drivers money at the pump, and help corn growers considerably by increasing demand. We strongly urge Congress to pass this legislation right away and will continue our meetings with members of Congress to call for action.”

National Farmers Union

National Farmers Union (NFU) advocates on behalf of more than 230,000 American farm families and their communities.

NFU President Rob Larew released a statement late Wednesday in response to the House vote:

“We are relieved to see Congress reach an agreement to reopen the federal government along with another extension of the farm bill. But this is the bare minimum.

“We’ve already lost too much time. The farm safety net is outdated and can’t keep up with today’s economic realities. Input costs remain high, trade relationships are uncertain, access to affordable healthcare is in danger, and the stress on rural communities continues to grow.”

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is a grassroots alliance that advocates for federal policy reform supporting the long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability of agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities.

The group reacted to the Senate’s actions in a statement Monday:

“After weeks of uncertainty, legislation unveiled over the weekend opts to needlessly restrict farmers’ ability to reduce input costs, invest in clean water, and build healthy soil. The FY2026 agriculture appropriations bill cuts nearly $100 million in support for conservation technical assistance, and the proposed farm bill extension fails to extend conservation program payment limits. Taken together, these bills make it harder for a wide variety of family farmers to enhance their productivity and protect natural resources, and bias federal conservation programs towards serving the largest operations first and foremost,” said Mike Lavender, NSAC Policy Director.

“The FY2026 agriculture appropriations bill released over the weekend brings cuts to critical conservation, urban agriculture, and local and regional food system programs. While the bill manages level funding for many essential programs and avoids harmful riders that would limit USDA from promoting fair market competition for livestock and poultry growers, it nonetheless falls short of delivering meaningful progress,” Lavender said.

Plant Based Products Council

The Plant Based Products Council (PBPC) is an association of like-minded organizations that are advocating for a shift toward a more circular bioeconomy through greater adoption of renewable, plant-based materials supported by appropriate end-of-life infrastructure.

On Tuesday, PBPC Executive Director James Glueck released a statement calling for strong federal support of the American ag bioeconomy:

“Ending the shutdown is an essential step toward restoring stability across government and the economy,” said Glueck. “Extension of authority is a positive signal for USDA’s BioPreferred Program. However, the lack of funding for the program leaves a critical gap in federal support for the ag bioeconomy. For more than 20 years, this program has a proven track record of advancing rural innovation, strengthening markets for U.S. farmers, and growing manufacturing opportunities here at home — all at minimal cost to taxpayers. We urge USDA to take swift action to reestablish program operations and call on Congress to maintain bipartisan, bicameral support to ensure consistent, long-term funding so this vital work can continue. A thriving bioeconomy depends on certainty and reliable commitments from policymakers.”

Senators and Representatives

Senator John Boozman

U.S. Senator and Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee John Boozman, R-Ark., included the following comment in a statement issued Monday: 

“Taking basic government services hostage through a shutdown is costly and tremendously unfair to the American people. This record-breaking stalemate had real consequences for Arkansas families and communities, so I am thankful reason finally prevailed and we are restoring vital funding and benefits instead of prolonging such senseless, harmful chaos.”

Senator Roger Marshall

U.S. Senator and Senate Ag Committee member Roger Marshall, R-Kan., issued the following statement after the Senate vote:

“After 41 days of Senate Democrats holding the government hostage for political leverage, I’m glad they finally came to their senses and voted to reopen it,” said Senator Marshall. “Alongside passing a clean [Continuing Resolution], we advanced three appropriations bills that deliver real wins for Kansas agriculture, our military, and our veteran communities. Now that the political games are over, I look forward to getting back to work and continuing to deliver on the America First agenda.”

Representative Angie Craig

U.S. Representative and ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee Angie Craig, D-Minn., released the following statement on her vote against the government funding bill that “fails to extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and raises health care costs for millions of Americans.

“I have said from the beginning of this shutdown that I refuse to abandon the tens of thousands of Minnesotans who could lose their health coverage because of Republicans’ unrelenting attacks on health care. 

“I voted against this so-called ‘deal’ today because Minnesotans are asking their leaders to stand up to the Trump administration and fight for them when it matters most. 

“Minnesota, I heard you loud and clear. It’s past time for us to lower costs for working folks in this country, and this bill doesn’t do that.”

Representative Mark Messmer

U.S. Representative Mark Messmer, R-Ind., issued the following statement Wednesday “praising” the House bill passage:

“Without any regard for the struggles and dire needs of the American people, Democrats shut down the federal government, and brought to a halt paychecks and important benefits families depend upon,” Messmer said. “In their quest to push radical leftist ideals, Democrats punished some of our country’s most vulnerable. Hoosiers deserve a reliable government they can depend upon and I am relieved that we are finally back in business so our brave troops can get paid and Food Stamp funding can resume. I hope and pray that Democrats don’t do this to our country ever again.”

Editor’s note: Some of the previous statements have been edited and/or condensed by Successful Farming for style and clarity.