Farm Service Agency offices will reopen nationwide starting January 24 to provide expanded administrative services to farmers and ranchers during the lapse in federal funding. They will process Market Facilitation Program payments and provide over a dozen other services. South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke says that’s somewhat positive for farmers, but it’s still tough on government employees.
He says even though President Trump has already signed legislation that guarantees employees will receive all backpay missed during the lapse in funding, the government still needs to be reopened.
Sombke says its time for both the President and Congress to do their job, end the political bickering and get government back up and running.
USDA has temporarily recalled the more than 9700 FSA employees to reopen from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays starting January 24 and for two full weeks following. After that offices will be open Tuesday through Thursday, if needed, to provide additional services.
