USDA ‘Prepared’ for Looming Government Shutdown, Layoffs Possible

By Ryan Hanrahan

Meatingplace’s Frank Fuhrig reported that “the USDA says it is ready in the event of a federal government shutdown Wednesday in the absence of budget legislation, while opposition Democrats in Congress are warning of potential further cuts to the federal workforce, which the White House has threatened. A shutdown will occur when the 2025 fiscal year ends Tuesday night, unless a continuing resolution is passed.”

“During a 2018 federal shutdown, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) meat inspection and laboratory testing personnel continued working,” Fuhrig reported. “‘USDA is prepared for all contingencies regarding department operations, including critical services and supports,’ a spokesperson said in a statement to Meatingplace, but did not provide requested details about FSIS operations or potential USDA layoffs.”

Brownfield Ag News’ Carah Hart reported that “Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says the USDA is fully prepared in case the U.S. government shuts down this week. ‘I believe, sincerely, the incredible and important programs especially that help our farmers, those will continue and they shouldn’t be affected by the shutdown, but we’re still working on the details.’ Rollins made those comments to media at last week’s Ag Outlook Forum.”

USDA Shutdown Contingency Plan Includes Layoffs

Politico’s Grace Yarrow reported that “USDA officials are preparing for more layoffs if the government shuts down this week, according to two people with direct knowledge of the plans.”

“The department has submitted its tentative shutdown contingency plan which includes a reduction-in-force provision  to the White House’s Office of Management and Budget for approval, according to the individuals, who were granted anonymity to discuss the private talks,” Yarrow reported. “They could not provide further details on which employees would be cut, but the two people said the rest of the proposal largely mirrors USDA’s typical shutdown contingency plan that was last publicly updated during the Biden administration.”