What an Extended Government Shutdown Means for Science and Agriculture
As we enter the second month of a government shutdown, the nation is on the verge of seeing the longest lapse in federal funding in U.S. history. November 1 also marks several key developments that could pressure lawmakers to reach an agreement, including:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments being delayed.
Health care subsidies for some marketplace plans expiring.
Federal employees missing a second paycheck and employee groups calling for an end to the shutdown.
While the political dynamics are complex, the human and economic effects are already significant. For the science and agriculture sectors, the impacts of a prolonged shutdown ripple across laboratories, farms, and research institutions nationwide.
The Longest Shutdown in History—So Far
During the 2018–2019 government shutdown, which lasted 35 days, the effects on science and agriculture were already notable. At that time, I was completing my Ph.D. at the University of Missouri. Two key memories stand out:
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) laboratory on campus where I was analyzing samples was closed, halting progress for weeks.
Many federal scientists were unable to attend professional conferences, such as the Soil Science Society of America annual meeting, due to travel restrictions.
Those disruptions were relatively minor compared to what many people are facing today. This time, the shutdown’s effects are broader and more deeply felt across agencies, universities, and the agricultural economy.
About Government Shutdowns
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass—or the President does not sign—appropriations bills that fund federal operations for the fiscal year. Without this funding, most federal agencies must suspend non-essential activities until new legislation is enacted.
Here’s what typically happens during a shutdown:
Federal employees who are funded through annual appropriations are furloughed (placed on temporary unpaid leave) or required to work without pay if their roles are deemed essential.
Essential services—such as national security, air traffic control, and certain public safety functions—continue operating.
Routine operations like data collection, reports, permitting, research, and grant management are paused.
Contracts and grants dependent on federal funding may be delayed or halted.
Shutdowns can vary in length and impact depending on which agencies are affected and how long the impasse continues.
About This Shutdown
This shutdown stems from an impasse in Congress over continuing resolution (CR) funding to keep the government open.
The House of Representatives passed a short-term funding bill to maintain current spending levels.
The Senate has not yet agreed to advance that measure, with debates centering on issues such as health insurance subsidies and discretionary spending caps.
Both parties have expressed concern about the need to reopen the government but differ on the legislative priorities to be addressed alongside it.
Until a new appropriations measure or CR passes both chambers and is signed into law, many agencies remain partially or fully closed.
Impacts on Science and Agriculture
The effects of the shutdown on the agricultural and scientific communities are substantial:
USDA Services and Farm Operations
Farmers lack access to resources and data typically provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Market reports and crop forecasts are paused, creating uncertainty in commodity markets and complicating marketing decisions during harvest.
Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices are operating with limited staff, delaying loan processing and disaster assistance.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices are largely closed, halting new enrollments in conservation programs.
Payments for conservation, disaster relief, and cost-share programs are delayed.
Research and Federal Scientists
Roughly half of USDA employees are furloughed, meaning research, lab work, and field projects are on hold.
Many federal scientists cannot conduct experiments, travel to meetings, or access research facilities.
Grant reviews and funding cycles are paused, which could cause cascading delays for projects and universities reliant on federal research dollars.
At other agencies, such as the Department of the Interior (DOI), research centers—including the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC)—are preparing for possible reductions or closures.
Broader Implications
The longer the shutdown continues, the greater the uncertainty for:
FY2026 appropriations, which determine agency budgets.
The Farm Bill reauthorization, which governs most U.S. agricultural and conservation programs.
If Congress cannot act before December 31, some programs could require extensions—or lapse entirely—until new legislation is enacted.
What’s Next?
If no resolution is reached soon, the shutdown could continue through the Thanksgiving recess, when many lawmakers may feel pressure to return home having reached a deal. The Senate is considering several targeted funding measures to reopen specific parts of the government, such as restoring SNAP benefits, but leaders in both chambers have expressed reservations about a piecemeal approach.
In the meantime, federal workers, farmers, and researchers should prepare for continued disruption. Communities and professional networks can play an essential role in offering support during this period.
At our firm, we aim to stay focused on the people behind the work—scientists, farmers, and public servants—whose contributions are critical to the nation’s food security and environmental stewardship. We’ll continue to share updates and guidance as this situation evolves.