Labor challenges have been a big hurdle for U.S. producers, and it has led some to explore a unique type of visa program.
“TN visas are part of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and so they’re designated to nationals of Canada and Mexico who have professional degrees in a set number of professions, including foresters, veterinarians, and a certain number of agricultural professions. From a farmer side, they’re generally used mostly in pork production and dairy production, anyone who has specialized services, and generally doesn’t have access to H-2A because they’re not seasonal,” said Samantha Ayoub.
The Farm Bureau says the program works differently for each country workers come from. They have seen a big increase in applications in recent years, but they end up denying around 20 percent of all applications.
Drought remains a major risk, with the ERS reporting that 98 percent of the U.S. cotton production area was affected by drought in early May.
The coalition says the program was designed to make cover crop enrollment faster and easier for producers.
European officials say the temporary move is aimed at easing pressure on farmers as conflict in the Middle East disrupts fertilizer markets.
Canadian industry leaders argue the tax policies cited by U.S. officials are similar to exemptions already used by American growers.
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty joined us to share guidance on preventing land fraud, identifying scams, and protecting farm and rural property owners.
Low snowpack and rapid melt are heightening irrigation concerns across the West as farmers face falling reservoir levels and strained water supplies.
