The partial government shutdown is into its fourth week and there does not seem to be an light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to resolution between the Democrats and President Trump. The two sides continue to be far apart on whether or not President Trump should get funding for his border wall. House Democrats continue to pass appropriations bills without any sort of funding for a border security wall. Cattle industry lobbyist Colin Woodall says at this point, the United States Department of Agriculture continues to do a good job, provided essential services that the cattle industry needs. However, he says concerns are starting to mount, the longer this shutdown drags on.
“So far, we have to send our thanks and gratitude to the Administration and the USDA for maintaining mandatory price reporting as an essential function of government - but more importantly - making sure the Food Safety Inspection Service inspectors are sitting on the lines so we can continue to process beef every single day,” Woodall said. “That has been a key component of this particular government shutdown. But, we are starting to pick up that there are some concerns creeping in.”
Since the shutdown began, Woodall explains that more and more farmers and ranchers are coming forward with complaints that they have not been able to access funds from Farm Service Agency loans or payments. The situation is becoming increasingly uncomfortable as producers’ bills have started to pile up while they wait on the shutdown to resolve itself and access to FSA funds are restored. Woodall says the duration of the shutdown is now flirting with potentially serious financial implications for the farm sector.
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