MAINE PUBLIC • October 9, 2025
Farmers may find it difficult to access federal aid programs due to the government shutdown as Maine endures its worst drought in more than 20 years. The Farm Service Agency declared an extreme drought disaster in 10 Maine counties a week before the shutdown. Farmers were urged to report drought-related crop or livestock losses to their local Farm Service office, but some say they're having trouble getting information. Currently displayed on the USDA website is a banner that says: "Due to the radical left Democrat shutdown, this government website will not be updated during the funding lapse." As of Oct. 9, a search function on the government website does not display any contact information for Maine service centers.