Schweitzer: Fully funding the USDA and many of the programs critical to family farms and ranches

The federal government’s reopening is a step in the right direction for farms and ranches, with the USDA reopening with full funding for many of the programs crucial for farm success, said Walter Schweitzer, who serves as president of Montana Farmers Union.  

“We appreciate that the Senate version to reopen government extends the Farm Bill to September 30, 2026, fully funding the USDA and many of the programs critical to family farms and ranches,” Schweitzer said. 

“The Senate version to reopen government reverses the Trump administration’s earlier plans to cut staff and eliminate funding for many USDA programs and prohibits his proposal to close FSA offices and to firing of FSA employees. The FSA offices are essential to serving family farm and ranches. Restoring funding for the Food for Peace and the McGovern Dole Program brings back an important market for farmers and ranchers and helps feed starving children around the world,” he said, adding, “the senate version to reopen government restored funding for many Rural Development programs that support rural businesses, rural water and wastewater infrastructure, housing rental assistance, single family direct loans and guaranteed loans all of these programs are critical to families and small businesses in rural communities.”  

The work doesn’t stop here, Schweitzer said.  

“Now that government is reopened and the House is back from their vacation, it is time for Congress to get back to work on passing the nine other appropriations bills to fund our agencies and not disrupt the lives of American families with another government shutdown.”