The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reinstated several farmer support programs after Congress approved a continuing resolution earlier this week. While this move provides temporary relief for producers facing unstable market conditions, many experts argue that these programs are outdated, built on old data, and no longer aligned with the current realities of modern agriculture. Farmers, too, say that while assistance is appreciated, long-term solutions—not temporary extensions—are urgently needed.
Return of USDA Assistance Programs
Temporary Relief for Farmers
With the government reopened, essential USDA support programs—including commodity loans, seed and chemical financing, and land rental assistance—are back in action. These programs had been left in limbo after the Republican-led spending bill passed in July.
Corn farmer Steve Kuiper, who is also involved with the Iowa Corn Growers Association, welcomed the return of the federal safety net. However, he emphasized that relying on government funding is not a farmer’s preferred long-term strategy.
“Farmers inherently do not want to depend on government programs,” Kuiper said. “We want free trade, strong trade agreements, and a system where the free market drives agriculture.”
Concerns Over Outdated Program Structures
Trade Wars and Farm Bill Delays
The return of USDA assistance comes at a time when trade wars and international tensions continue to disrupt agricultural markets. The uncertainty has been worsened by the expiration of the 2018 Farm Bill, which formally lapsed in September.
Agricultural law expert Jennifer Zwagerman, director of the Agricultural Law Center at Drake University, highlighted that Congress once again extended these programs only after periods of “unnecessary frustration” for farmers.
“We keep seeing these short-term extensions, but they come after delay and concern,” Zwagerman said.
Programs Built on Old Data
Because the original farm bill dates back to 2018, Zwagerman noted that many programs rely on outdated information.
Several initiatives that were pilot programs in 2018 now have known results, yet the policy framework hasn’t been updated to reflect new data.
She explained:
“We know the outcomes now. We should be adapting these programs and moving forward. That uncertainty still lingers.”
What the New Resolution Restores
Key Farm Support Reinstated
The continuing resolution reinstates major forms of farmer support, including:
- Commodity loans
- Seed and chemical financing assistance
- Land rental aid
- Other suspended USDA services
These essential tools, once left hanging after the July spending bill, now have a one-year extension, giving farmers temporary stability.
Farmers Want Modern Solutions and Long-Term Fixes
Focus on Trade, Markets, and New Legislation
While short-term extensions help, many farmers—including Kuiper—want long-term reforms such as:
- A new Farm Bill
- Expansion of trade markets
- Support for year-round E-15 fuel sales
- Modernized USDA programs that reflect 2025 agricultural realities
Kuiper expressed hope that lawmakers will now shift their attention to building stronger, forward-looking agricultural policy.
“With the government open again, hopefully Washington can focus on bigger issues—like year-round E-15.”