How should agriculture respond to federal funding cuts and freezes?

The shakeup in Washington is now hitting farm programs, and we know many of you are facing funding concerns, increased scrutiny, and many questions from farmers and other constituents. This is a crisis communications scenario.

As stewards of these farming-facing programs, it’s essential to recognize the scale of your challenges, act decisively, and leverage these moments to establish yourself as a trusted industry leader.

At Paulsen, we’ve worked with agricultural organizations for decades, helping them navigate challenges while reinforcing their value. Below is a three-part framework: how to spot a problem, how to handle a crisis, and how to turn challenges into thought leadership opportunities.

Step 1: Spot the Signs of a Problem

If you don’t define your story, someone else will. The first step in protecting checkoff programs is recognizing when issues are bubbling under the surface. Use this checklist to assess whether your program is at risk:

Government Funding Freezes

☑ Are you receiving government funding that may be under review or is frozen?
☑ Is Washington, D.C. or your state legislature scrutinizing your program?
☑ Are new regulations or policies threatening your budget or operations?

Farmer & Stakeholder Concerns

☑ Are you hearing from farmers who are worried about the impact of potential federal funding cuts and freezes to their operations?
☑ Have you seen a decline in farmer engagement or support?
☑ Are key stakeholders distancing themselves from your program?

Social Media & Public Perception

☑ Are you seeing a rise in negative or aggressive social media comments?
☑ Is misinformation about your program spreading online?
☑ Do you feel unprepared to respond effectively on digital platforms?

If you checked even one of these boxes, it’s time to act before the conversation gets out of control.

Step 2: Managing a Crisis with Proactive Communication

Once you spot an issue, the way you handle it determines how much impact it will have. In today’s world, slow responses create uncertainty, allowing critics to control the story. Here’s how to stay ahead:

Be the First to Define the Narrative

Silence breeds skepticism. If a funding change, lawsuit, or negative media story emerges, respond quickly with a clear message. If you don’t have all the facts yet, acknowledge the issue and commit to providing updates. “What we know right now is…” can be a powerful phrase to keep control of the story.

Build Trust Through Transparency

Farmers and stakeholders deserve to know how their investment is being used. Be proactive in sharing financial reports, success stories, and program impact. A lack of transparency gives critics the ammunition they need.

Empower Farmer Advocates

Farmers trust other farmers. Equip producer boards, checkoff supporters and program participants with clear, consistent messaging so they can confidently defend the program in their communities. If they’re not equipped to answer tough questions, your program is vulnerable.

Use Multiple Channels to Communicate

Press releases alone won’t reach farmers effectively. Conversations happen on social media, at coffee shops, and in local meetings. Make sure your messages are being shared where they’ll be seen and heard.

Crisis communication isn’t about just surviving the storm—it’s about positioning yourself to emerge stronger.

Step 3: Own the Conversation

Stats and figures alone are not messages. Communicate the value of your work through emotional messages that make clear how your programs preserve or improve the industries, people and communities they serve.

Every Federally funded program will face scrutiny at some point. The difference between losing support and strengthening trust lies in spotting problems early, handling crises with transparency, and seizing the opportunity to lead.

At Paulsen, we help agricultural leaders control their narrative—before someone else does. If your checkoff program is facing challenges, now is the time to act.

📞 Call Paulsen today to start building a stronger, more proactive communication strategy.