Farmers are using a unique visa program for on-farm help

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.

Related Stories
Cattle producers met with lawmakers to discuss the issues continuing to impact ranchers across the country.
Commissioner Sid Miller says productive farmland, water resources, and rural infrastructure are increasingly under pressure as data centers continue growing across Texas.
The Meat Institute says meat sales reached a record $112 billion last year as protein demand remained strong nationwide.
The Livestock Conservancy says protecting rare breeds helps preserve genetic diversity and long-term agricultural resilience.
Dr. Joana Colussi says differences in input costs, trade conditions, and second-crop risks continue shaping profitability in both countries.
The Perrier family says maintaining herd quality has helped keep the operation strong.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

A bipartisan Senate delegation recently traveled to China ahead of President Trump’s meeting in Beijing.
Trucking industry expert Lewie Pugh joins us to discuss rising diesel costs, challenges facing independent truckers, and the broader impact on agriculture and rural transportation.