Letter to the Editor Template
Download the original MFU letter-to-the-editor template created during the 2025 shutdown.
Download LTE Template
2025 Legislative Archive
Government Shutdown
Archived information, advocacy materials and media coverage related to the 2025 federal government shutdown and its impact on agriculture, rural communities and federal farm programs.
Archived Content:
This page preserves information and advocacy materials published
by Montana Farmers Union during the 2025 federal government shutdown.
Calls to action and congressional contact information are maintained
here for historical reference and may no longer reflect current
circumstances.
What Happened
Congress is responsible for funding the federal government through annual appropriations legislation. During the 2025 funding process, Congress did not complete the appropriations process before the funding deadline, resulting in a federal government shutdown.
At the same time, agriculture was operating without a newly reauthorized Farm Bill, creating additional uncertainty for farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
Why It Mattered to Agriculture
Original 2025 MFU Action Alert
The following information reflects Montana Farmers Union's
advocacy position during the shutdown.
Impact on Montana
Montana Farmers Union raised concerns about the effects of the shutdown on farms, ranches and rural communities, particularly while producers were already facing uncertainty surrounding federal agricultural policy.
- Delays in federal farm program and conservation payments
- Reduced staffing and technical assistance through USDA offices
- Delays affecting agricultural loans and disaster assistance
- Continued uncertainty surrounding Farm Bill reauthorization
- Additional financial pressure on family farmers and ranchers
Original Call to Action
During the shutdown, MFU encouraged Montanans to contact members of Congress, advocate for completion of the appropriations process and call for reauthorization of the Farm Bill.
Archived Resources
These materials are preserved as part of Montana Farmers Union's legislative archive.
Original Action Campaign
View the original Action Network campaign used during the government shutdown.
View Archived ActionCongressional Delegation
View the congressional delegation contact information distributed by MFU during the 2025 shutdown.
View Contact ListNews & Media Coverage
Articles preserved with the original MFU Government Shutdown resource page.