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
The FAA’s proposed rule to allow drones to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) could soon revolutionize how farmers and ranchers manage their land.
AFBF Associate Economist Samantha Ayoub joins us to dive into H-2A visa program changes and what can be done to ease the pressure on producers.
Software developers at John Deere Digital are addressing challenges with their new Operations Center, which helps farmers make decisions on the fly.
Agricultural exports continue to be a key contributor to rural employment. However, rural businesses still struggle to fill numerous job openings.
In a final rule published in the Federal Register, the Department states that it will no longer base wage rates on the Farm Labor Survey.
Secretary Rollins’ plan targets high costs, labor challenges, and export growth, delivering relief at home while building markets abroad.
Farmers should anticipate continued upward pressure on farm labor costs and monitor policy changes that may further impact hiring decisions.
Kevin Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance joined us Tuesday to share his perspective on farm safety and risk management during fall harvest.
U.S. produce growers face a structural disadvantage—cheaper imports driving down prices while rising labor costs squeeze margins. Without new policies or technology, profitability remains uncertain.