Shutdown Aftermath Leaves Agriculture With Big Decisions on Aid, Tariffs, and the Farm Bill
November 28, 2025 As the longest government shutdown in U.S. history came to a close, agricultural leaders quickly turned their attention to a long list of unfinished business in Washington. Among them is Daren Coppock, CEO of the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA), who recently joined CropLife Retail Week to discuss what agriculture must tackle next — from economic relief and regulatory resets to the uncertain road ahead for the next farm bill.
“The to-do list is long,” Coppock noted. “Top of that list for all the farm groups is getting assistance into the hands of growers who are still dealing with terrible commodity prices, sticky input prices, lost export markets — across the board, every commodity has had some kind of cross to bear.”
Regulatory Shifts and Immediate Priorities
While federal agencies were shuttered for weeks, important regulatory activity stalled. Now, with operations restarted, Coppock says several key issues require urgent attention.
One of the more notable developments was the EPA’s announcement that it intends to return to a more flexible Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule — similar to the framework used during the first Trump administration.
“In my view, it was a very common-sense, straightforward way to handle WOTUS,” Coppock said. “Hopefully this will be durable and last for us.”
Another priority for ARA is moving forward a bill related to seasonal commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), which remains critical for ag retailers’ ability to staff fleets during spring and fall peaks. “It makes some procedural changes in how you get and keep the seasonal CDL exemption,” Coppock explained. “It should really help us expand the pool of drivers if we can get it passed.”
Tariff Relief — But Not for Everyone
Trade disruptions continue to weigh heavily on agriculture’s cost structure. A recent presidential executive order lowered tariffs on many fertilizer products, easing pressure for some buyers — but not all.
“The issue now is if someone already bought product at the higher rate before the tariff was lowered, what happens to them?” Coppock said. “They’re now at a competitive disadvantage. That’s not fair.”
Because the executive order only applies to shipments that started after the cutoff date — November 13 — ARA is pushing for clarity and possible remedies. “We’ve asked USTR about this,” he added. “We’re continuing that conversation because those purchasers now have a problem.”
Will We Ever See Another Farm Bill?
Perhaps the most consequential debate for agriculture is whether Congress will deliver another long-term farm bill — or whether perpetual extensions will become the new normal. Coppock isn’t ready to declare the 2018 farm bill the last of its kind, but he acknowledges the situation has changed.
“We continue to advocate for a long-term farm bill because it gives farmers, creditors, bankers — everyone — certainty for several years,” he said. “But the way the farm bill was handled this year causes questions to be raised about future bills.”
Many core elements — like Title I commodity programs and SNAP — were addressed separately, weakening the long-standing urban – rural coalition that traditionally ensures passage. “Since nutrition programs were reauthorized separately and at lower levels, keeping that coalition together is tough,” Coppock noted.
The erosion of agricultural experience in Congress further complicates matters. “There are only eight senators and 25 representatives with direct farm experience—not nearly a majority,” he said. “We have to have allies to get a bill passed. The coalition will need to be rebuilt if we’re going to get it done.”
ARA Annual Meeting Heads to Salt Lake City
Despite the political uncertainty, industry collaboration continues—and the 2025 ARA Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City aims to deliver timely insights. Coppock previewed keynote speakers focused on leadership, long-term weather patterns, global trade dynamics, and generative AI in agriculture.
Breakout sessions will cover everything from fertilizer outlooks to labor strategies and new grower trends. The meeting will also feature a Topgolf event in place of a traditional golf tournament — providing what Coppock described as “a fun way for people who don’t usually play golf to still attend, network, and have a great time.”
Looking Ahead
From economic recovery to regulatory realignment and the uncertain future of the farm bill, agriculture has no shortage of challenges — nor opportunities. As Coppock emphasized, addressing them requires both a clear agenda and strong collaboration across the industry.
“Farm-gate economics, trade issues, workforce needs — these are all top of mind for our members,” he said. “We have to keep pushing for certainty, fairness, and policies that support the long-term health of American agriculture.”
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