We came across a post on social media asking for help with an FSA situation. Here’s the question:
Our Farm Service Agency loans have been paid off since January 2025, but they are still listed on our checks. With the current government shutdown, I’ve been told that there’s nothing that can be done to get these checks signed off on.
That’s certainly problematic! Without FSA staff available to stamp and sign checks, farmers may find it more difficult to access sales proceeds that need the agency’s countersignature.
A quick primer – when you owe FSA money, they require their name to be printed on checks you receive from selling livestock or commodities. This is a means of protecting their investment in farm loans, and therefore both the farmer and FSA must sign these “joint payee” checks.
As of last week, 67% of FSA employees were furloughed and most local service centers are closed. That means FSA is not processing most administrative functions, which includes loan-related paperwork. And it’s anybody’s guess how long the situation will drag out.
Four options to consider
You can take action. One of these four options could help.
- Contact your state FSA office directly. Not everyone at the agency is furloughed, and a call or email offers your best chance to reach state-level staff.
- Document everything, including records of all sales and income during the shutdown. And, of course, save all joint payee checks that you are unable to endorse.
- Check in with your lenders. Some may be able to work with you on a case-by-case basis and show some flexibility, and others may wait until the shutdown is over.
- Review your operating credit lines and seasonal credit needs. You may be able to talk your way into an extension in certain circumstances, especially if you’re able to frame the issue as a governmental problem rather than a farm management problem.
Other unavailable FSA services
Joint payee check endorsements are not the only service that’s currently suspended, either. Here’s a few other things you won’t be able to do in the short term.
- Payment processing for commodity and conservation programs, such as ARC/PLC and CRP.
- Disaster assistance payments, such as ECAP.
- All farm loan activities, including processing, closing and signing off on loans.
- Technical assistance for conservation programs.
Unfortunately, when the government reopens, significant backlogs for payment processing are likely at FSA. That includes joint payee endorsements, which may take longer than usual.
Those who practice strategic patience—active management rather than passive waiting— put themselves in line for the best chance of success once normal operations resume.