WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Farmers using the H-2A agricultural guest worker program are preparing for higher labor costs as new minimum wage rates take effect in several states beginning Monday.
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) warns the increases could create additional financial pressure for producers already dealing with elevated operating costs.
AFBF Economist Camero Castillo says some states are seeing particularly significant year-over-year increases.
“Overall, we’re seeing wages rise. In some states, we are seeing some pretty staggering changes from last year.”
Castillo points to Kansas, North Dakota and Nebraska as states where H-2A wage rates are increasing by roughly 20 percent in some cases.
The new rates are set to take effect Monday, adding to concerns about the cost of hiring agricultural labor as producers navigate ongoing workforce challenges.
