A big win for farmers struggling with high labor costs.
A federal court has struck down the 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate Rule, which ag groups have been asking for since it was rolled out.
The rule was issued under the Biden administration and requires H-2A workers to be paid using metrics from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, not the USDA’s Farm Labor Survey.
The judge tossed the rule after the case was brought forward by Louisiana sugarcane growers, saying that work that was previously considered routine was now costing them a lot more.
The National Council of Ag Employers says that the ruling was positive and would give growers some much-needed financial relief.
Related Stories
Farms and major food companies use AI to improve efficiency and forecast demand. Still, developers said that training AI for different uses is only possible with support from knowledgeable workers.
Transportation access, legal disputes, and fertilizer freight costs will directly influence input pricing and grain movement in 2026.
Rural employers are slightly more optimistic, but labor shortages and renewed price pressures continue to limit growth across farm country according to a
Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) discusses the gap in truck driver education programs and how it impacts road safety and supply chain economics.
Buying a real Christmas tree directly supports U.S. farmers facing rising import competition, long production cycles, and weather-driven risks.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates that the move will save farmers and ranchers $2.5 billion each year. The group warns that new methods for calculating the adverse-effect wage rate would result in lower pay for foreign workers.
The agriculture workforce remains strong and diverse, offering meaningful pathways for students pursuing careers that support the food and farm economy.
Higher menu prices and tax-free tips are reshaping restaurant economics, sharply lifting server take-home pay even as diners face higher out-the-door costs.