While the ag industry is following the back-and-forth of tariff discussions, another Trump decision is weighing heavily on the sector as his deportation efforts are underway.
Colorado farmers say they are not worried about the state’s $47 billion ag industry.
Researchers at Colorado State University believe that 25-30% of the state’s ag workers are undocumented, but the H-2A program is also fairly popular in Colorado. In 2023, just under 4,000 H-2A visas were requested.
President Trump expanded the temporary work visa program in his first administration, and some analysts believe he will do the same in his new administration.
Related Stories
Labor officials are also pushing agricultural education as the industry works to attract younger workers.
Kansas, North Dakota, and Nebraska are states where H-2A wage rates are increasing by roughly 20 percent in some cases.
The eagle captured a worldwide following through a livestream of her nest with mate Shadow.
For agricultural producers, finding workers is only part of the challenge. The cost of hiring has also become a growing concern.