Farm Programs Restored after 43-Day Government Shutdown

The longest partial government shutdown in U.S. history officially ended when President Donald Trump signed legislation passed by Congress to fund the federal government and extend key farm programs.

The Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act of 2026 was approved by the House in a 222-209 vote and signed late Wednesday evening. The measure provides full fiscal-year funding for U.S. Department of Agriculture and extends provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill through September 2026.

The end of the 43-day shutdown restores critical services for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities that had been frozen since early November, including the reopening of local Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service offices. Producers can now resume access to farm loans, disaster relief, and conservation programs.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall applauded the bipartisan effort, saying the move “brings relief to farm families who depend on USDA’s support and assistance during these challenging economic times.” Duvall added that the organization “urges policymakers to return their focus to strengthening the farm economy and passing a modernized farm bill.”

The bill also directs $10 billion toward farm loans, $850 million for conservation technical assistance, and $3.8 billion for agricultural research. It funds SNAP and WIC benefits in full and reimburses contingency accounts that were depleted during the shutdown. Additionally, the measure establishes stricter rules on hemp-derived products, funds broadband and rural development initiatives, and maintains research at agricultural facilities nationwide.

Lawmakers framed the passage as a return to “regular order” in the appropriations process. House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.) stated, “We’re reopening government, restoring stability, and continuing the hard work of delivering full-year appropriations through a transparent, line-by-line process.”

With the shutdown now concluded, USDA agencies are expected to announce updated timelines for program enrollments and services in the coming days.