“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
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.
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Faren Rachels is a Georgia-native who made the move to Music City. She has opened for some of the biggest names in music, from Luke Combs to Willie Nelson, and her songs have been recorded from many of today’s artists.
In part six of his blog series,"Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” farm legal expert Roger McEowen tackles issue #2, foreign ownership of ag land.
In part five of his blog series, “Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” Roger McEowen tackles issue number three, California’s Prop 12 pork regulations.
In part four of his blog series, “Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” Roger McEowen tackles issue number four, the Employment Retention Credit.
In part three of his blog series, “Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” Roger McEowen covers the Corps of Engineers’ mismanagement of Missouri River water levels.
We caught up with country music star Ian Munsick and Mo Brings Plenty during the 2023 NFR about his new documentary.