From fields to fridges: How the government shutdown is impacting farmers across America

WASHINGTON — The government shutdown is causing uncertainty for farmers across the United States, as critical aid is frozen and food prices at grocery stores face volatility.

Wisconsin dairy farmer and President of the Wisconsin Farmers Union, Darin Von Ruden, said, “The biggest thing is the uncertainty, really not knowing what’s going to happen.”

This year, tariffs have closed markets, and rising costs are cutting into profits, with farm aid meant to ease that pressure now frozen. It’s not just aid on hold during the shutdown, though. Field offices that process farm loans are closed, and market data that helps set prices is not being released. Learn more about the impact on Wisconsin farmers.