The 2025 Government Shutdown: What It Means for Texas Ag Families & Students
The Shutdown, Texas Agriculture, and You: Standing Strong Together
As of October 1, 2025, the federal government has officially entered a shutdown. While the headlines in Washington can feel a world away from the pastures and classrooms of Texas, we know the ripple effects are felt deeply here at home—especially for the families and students we serve.
At the PGM Foundation, our mission is to empower Texas youth through education and agriculture. In times of uncertainty, that mission becomes even more critical. We want to cut through the noise and provide clarity on how this shutdown impacts our agricultural community and the students we support.
How Does the Shutdown Affect Texas Agriculture?
For many of our sponsorship applicants and their families, the USDA is a daily partner. During a federal shutdown, several key services may be paused. Here is what you need to know:
USDA & Farm Service Agency (FSA) Offices: Typically, local FSA offices close during a shutdown. This can delay the processing of farm loans, disaster assistance applications, and other critical support services that our ranching families rely on.
Livestock & Crop Reporting: Market reports and agricultural statistics often go on hiatus. For students raising show animals or families managing herds, this lack of data can add an extra layer of difficulty to planning.
4-H and FFA Impacts: While these are largely non-federal organizations, federally funded extension programs or events held on federal land may face rescheduling or cancellations. We encourage all our student participants to stay in close contact with their local chapter advisors for real-time updates.
A Message to Our Students: PGM is Open for Business
While federal doors may be locked, the PGM Foundation’s doors remain wide open. We want to reassure all current and future scholars:
Scholarship Funds are Secure: The government shutdown does not affect PGM Foundation scholarship disbursements. Our funds are privately raised and managed, ensuring your educational journey continues without interruption.
Applications Proceed as Normal: If you are in the process of applying for a PGM scholarship or a livestock show project sponsorship, keep going. Our review committees are active and our timelines remain unchanged.
FAFSA and Federal Aid: For students worried about federal student aid, the Department of Education generally continues to process FAFSA and disburse Pell Grants during a shutdown. However, processing times may be slower due to limited staffing.
Resources for Resilience
Texas farmers and students are no strangers to adversity—whether it’s a drought, a freeze, or a political standstill. We persevere. If your family is feeling the financial strain of the shutdown, we recommend the following steps:
Contact Your Lenders: If you have pending USDA loans, contact your private lenders immediately to discuss the delay. Many banks offer temporary forbearance or interest-only payments during government shutdowns.
Lean on Community: Local Texas Farm Bureau offices and county extension agents (who are often state-funded) remain excellent resources for navigating these gaps.
Stay Focused on Education: To our students: don't let this distraction derail your semester. Your education is the best investment for the future of Texas agriculture.
Standing with Texas Youth
The PGM Foundation was built on the belief that education and agriculture go hand in hand to nurture the next generation of leaders. No budget battle in D.C. can shake that belief.
We are monitoring the situation closely. If you have specific questions regarding your scholarship status or need guidance on local resources, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Stay Texan Strong.
The PGM Foundation Team
FAQ: Rapid Answers
Q: Will my PGM Foundation scholarship check be delayed? A: No. PGM is a private nonprofit; our funding is independent of the federal government.
Q: Can I still apply for livestock project sponsorship? A: Yes! Our application portal remains open and unaffected.
Q: Is the local FSA office open? A: Most USDA/FSA county offices are closed for the duration of the shutdown. Please check the USDA website for the most current status.