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Small farmers across the U.S. are suffering as government shutdown drags on

05:17
Robb Rynd pulls the husk off of an ear of corn as he inspects his crops for pollination issues Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Paw Paw, Michigan. (Joshua A. Bickel/AP)
Robb Rynd pulls the husk off of an ear of corn as he inspects his crops for pollination issues Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Paw Paw, Michigan. (Joshua A. Bickel/AP)

The ongoing government shutdown is hurting many people across the country. That includes small farm owners.

Ayurella Horn-Muller has been reporting on how they are faring for Grist, Here & Now's editorial partner. She joins host Peter O'Dowd to break down the challenges farmers were already facing and how the shutdown — now in its record 36th day — is exacerbating those issues.

This segment aired on November 5, 2025.

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