Iowa Farm Faces Closure as Government Shutdown Blocks Flood Recover…

A devastating flood that swept through Rock Valley, Iowa last June has pushed the Ver Mulm family’s Orange Creek Farms to the brink of collapse—and an ongoing government shutdown may deliver the final blow. When floodwaters destroyed much of their 10-acre operation, Chelsie Ver Mulm managed to evacuate most of her livestock to safety, but the aftermath proved catastrophic. Over a dozen animals died from flood-related stress and disease, equipment was ruined, and the farm lost customers who could no longer afford local food after suffering their own flood damage.

The small family operation, which once maintained 40 cattle, has been forced to sell off most of its herd and now keeps just four cows. Despite repeatedly applying for USDA emergency loans and disaster relief programs, Ver Mulm has faced denial after denial due to burdensome paperwork and eligibility restrictions. Her last hope came in April when she applied for a crucial USDA Rural Development grant—but the application remains in limbo due to the government shutdown that has furloughed most USDA staff.

The shutdown’s impact extends far beyond individual farms like Orange Creek. With approximately 20,000 USDA employees losing their jobs this year and processing delays mounting, small farmers nationwide are struggling to access critical support during a volatile period for agriculture. Meanwhile, the shutdown threatens SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans, creating a ripple effect that hurts both food-insecure families and the farmers who depend on that program for income. For Ver Mulm, who has drained her savings and maxed out credit cards to keep the farm afloat, time is running out. “This grant is our last chance,” she says.