U.S. lawmakers hope to avert another government shutdown this Friday and avoid a further toll on agriculture and other government-dependent sectors.

The thought of another partial government shutdown is too much to bear for most politicians, including those from the president’s own party—and especially those from heavy agricultural districts.

Central Illinois Republican Rodney Davis…

The historic 35-day shutdown of USDA and other departments forced FSA county offices to close, temporarily, denying producers key services. EPA efforts to write a new rule for year-round E15 use, were also interrupted. 

Senate Ag Chair Pat Roberts told a Farm Foundation audience last week…

But Illinois’ Davis says preventing another shutdown will take compromise…

Congressional negotiators reported some progress on the key issue of border barrier funding the president’s requested. But, whether that’s enough or too much for each side was still in question, heading up to the next shutdown deadline, Friday.