“It’s Not Rocket Science": Lawmakers want to address the Farm Workforce Modernization Act

Expanding market access is top of mind, but concerns still linger around farm labor. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act was reintroduced earlier this month, and Washington State Congressman Dan Newhouse says the bill boils down to common sense.

“It’s not rocket science what we’re trying to do. Basically, we want people to be able to come into our country legally, work on farms, in this case, in this legislation, where we need them. And when the work is done, and they want to go back home, they can do that legally as well, without fear of not being able to come back.”

Newhouse says other countries have successfully addressed their ag labor challenges, urging his colleagues to get to work.

Related Stories
Processing slowdowns and invasive species add pressure during peak harvest
Labor supply may shift, but uncertainty remains for producers.
Hiring may ease slightly, but labor shortages remain persistent.
New wage rules improve accuracy but may still raise labor costs.
The Trump Administration’s new rule limiting CDL renewals for immigrant truckers is seeing mixed reactions in agriculture. While some support the change, it is raising concerns about higher freight costs and impacts on U.S. grain export competitiveness.
RFD NEWS correspondent Frank McCaffrey recently spoke with Dr. Mike Vickers, a South Texas rancher, who says illegal border crossings have dramatically declined in the last year.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Mike Schulte with the Oklahoma Wheat Commission joins us to discuss drought stress in the Great Plains and the current outlook for Oklahoma’s winter wheat crop.
Farmers are closely watching upcoming U.S.-China trade talks as rising fertilizer and diesel costs continue to pressure exports, margins, and rural economies.
Autumn Lankford Higgins with the Farm Bureau joins us to discuss data center expansion on farmland, rural policy considerations, and the role of agriculture in emerging digital infrastructure.
In honor of America’s 250th birthday with each pup named after a national park.

U.S. Cattlemen’s Association President Justin Tupper joins us to discuss the DOJ packer investigation, industry competition, and the outlook for cattle producers.