On Friday, October 31, the USDA announced that several delayed reports—including Milk Production (November 10 and 21), Crop Production (November 14), Cattle on Feed (November 21), and the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE, November 14)—will be released in November. However, officials provided no explanation for how furloughed staff will complete the work. Daily flash sales and weekly export data will remain suspended.

The ongoing government shutdown has disrupted critical USDA data releases, creating widespread uncertainty across U.S. agriculture. Kansas State University economists warn that the absence of reports from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and other agencies is hampering commodity markets, trade verification and farm-level decision-making.

Economists say the blackout leaves traders and analysts blind to key market signals, particularly as China claims to be purchasing large volumes of U.S. soybeans without USDA confirmation. The lack of verified export data makes it difficult to assess whether these deals are real, adding volatility to already fragile markets.

Beyond trade, the shutdown is affecting research and livestock sectors as well. Missing Cattle on Feed and slaughter data cloud market fundamentals and herd expansion trends. Private analysts have struggled to replicate USDA’s trusted models. Kansas State University experts warn that each day without official data deepens uncertainty, stalling investment, research and producer confidence across rural America.

Read more on the USDA issuing select November reports here.