According to the plan, more than 42,000 USDA employees are expected to be furloughed during the shutdown. USDA programs that will continue despite the shutdown:Farm loan processing. Under the contingency plan, USDA functions like ongoing research, reports, outreach and technical assistance are suspended. Trade negotiations, hazardous fuel treatments, special use permits, regulatory work, training and travel by USDA employees and agencies are also suspended. This means county service centers, and the majority of the services they offer, will not be available during the shutdown.