BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Farm Service Agency (FSA) Offices throughout the country reopened on Thursday despite the government shutdown. This includes county-level offices throughout North Dakota and the North Dakota state-level office.

Offices are only considered partially reopened and will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. County offices are being staffed by two individuals at each location. Notably, the individuals staffing these offices are being paid.

FSA offices support farmers and ranchers in accessing federal programs like federal aid, loans, and disaster relief.

North Dakota state FSA Executive Director Brad Thykeson said, "It's business as usual with partial staffing."

Thykeson said the offices can take applications for loans and aid, but cannot process them,

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