The Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) is deeply disappointed that Congress did not reach a compromise to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the federal government funded. While the IAC is an organization that works to support Tribes and Tribal citizens in their agricultural endeavors, it is clear that when politics get in the way, it is all American citizens who pay the price. The lack of a CR is yet another blow to producers throughout the United States who have already waited far too long for a comprehensive Farm Bill, which is now two years overdue.

At a time when producers need certainty and support, the shutdown will disrupt key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) activities. Specifically, the USDA will cease the following activities (among others):

• Accepting and processing new loan applications through Farm Service Agency (FSA) — a critical credit lifeline for many Tribal producers.

• Processing annual contract payments owed to producers and business entities, including: Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), and more. As a result, producers won’t receive contract payments even though they have made their own out-of-pocket investments to participate in these programs.

• Implementation and processing of disaster assistance payments in support of significant weather-related disasters, including: Noninsured Crop Assistance Program (NAP), Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage (ARC/PLC), and more.

Additionally, Tribal producers face compounded challenges due to additional staff furloughs at the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), which have suspended key operations vital to Indian Country.

Despite these setbacks, the IAC remains open and active. Producers, now more than ever, need to know where they can get help to navigate decisions made in Washington, D.C. by their elected representatives. While the federal government is shutting its doors, we will not.

Government shutdowns force organizations likes IAC to make difficult decisions:

• Do we absorb the cost of providing services such as technical assistance—a range of business-related services and resources provided on-the-ground to producers—that the government agreed to compensate us for?

• Or do we reduce our own staffing and pull back critical services in a time of need? 

Reducing our own staff is not an option. For nearly 40 years, IAC has shown up for Indian Country, even during difficult and uncertain times. We will continue to do so.

If you are a Tribal producer experiencing issues with accessing USDA programming or BIA support due to the government shutdown, please let us know by submitting details through our survey. Your input helps us understand the most urgent challenges facing Tribal producers during this time.

You can also connect with IAC staff on the ground—we’re here to partner with you and help strategize solutions for any issues you may need assistance navigating.

If you have recently received a denial, do not assume reconsideration requests or appeal deadlines at the county and state levels are extended if you have not received notice of an extended deadline in writing. 

• The USDA Plan notes: “All appeals and enforcement actions overseen by the Office of Hearing and Appeals (NAD, OALJ, and OJO) will cease during a lapse in funding. Specifically, all hearings will be cancelled and decisions resolving all adjudications will be held in abeyance until appropriations are approved.”

• This guidance does not cover appeals or reconsiderations at the county or state level, so plan on complying with all deadlines to preserve your appeal.

• USDA Lapse of Funding Plan (pdf) - as of Sept. 30, 2025

• Bureau of Indian Affairs Contingency Plan (pdf) - Sept. 2025