The U.S. House of Representatives voted on a continuing resolution and three full fiscal year appropriation bills, with the Senate passing the measure on Monday.
The measure reopens the federal government through January 2026. It also includes the extension of the Grain Standards Act and agriculture appropriations bill, funding USDA programs through September 30, 2026. Additionally, several expiring farm bill programs, like key energy programs, were extended but not given additional funding.
The reopening of the government has prompted responses from multiple major agriculture groups, including the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and American Soybean Association (ASA).
ASA President and Kentucky soybean farmer Caleb Ragland encourages the government to take action to support U.S. farmers moving forward after the shutdown.
“The U.S. soybean industry is grateful for the restoration of federal funding, which will ensure farmers and all Americans regain access to essential government services we rely on,” said Ragland. “Now that the government is open, growers need the federal government to get to work delivering much-needed farmer assistance and advancing other priorities that will help grow demand for U.S. soy, like finalizing biofuels regulations and strengthening trade opportunities. ASA is glad Congress found a path forward to end this impasse and urges lawmakers to keep that momentum going for America’s farmers.”
Jed Bower, Ohio farmer and NCGA President, praised the move to reopen the government but cautions that action on E15 legislation is still needed.
“The actions from Congress come as a relief to the nation’s corn growers who use federal programs for farm loans, grants and technical assistance," Bower shared in his statement. “Corn growers also see today’s development as an inflection point. We are approaching year’s end, and, despite opportunities to do so, Congress has not voted on legislation that would allow consumers across the country to access E15 year-round. Passage of this legislation would bolster the nation’s energy security, save drivers money at the pump and help corn growers considerably by increasing demand. We strongly urge Congress to pass this legislation right away and will continue our meetings with members of Congress to call for action.”