MADISON, Wis. — Farmers struggling to pay back loans and facing foreclosures were given more time this week by the federal government.

The USDA announced it would temporarily suspend debt collections and foreclosures from farm loans. This is in place until further notice while the pandemic is ongoing. 

The agency said it will freeze all non-judicial foreclosures while the U.S. Attorneys office will examine other foreclosures. The agency said this impacts about 12 thousand borrowers.

“USDA and the Biden Administration are committed to bringing relief and support to farmers, ranchers and producers of all backgrounds and financial status, including by ensuring producers have access to temporary debt relief,” said Robert Bonnie, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary with the USDA in a press release.

The agency said they are also examining ways to improve and address farm debt.