NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — New federal wage rules for H-2A visa farmworkers are addressing some long-standing problems but still leave key issues unresolved.
University of Georgia agricultural economists say the updated Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) system improves wage calculations but may still distort farm labor costs.
The U.S. Department of Labor shifted to a new system in 2025 that uses Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data instead of the Farm Labor Survey. This change moves wage calculations to the state level and introduces two pay tiers based on skill level, replacing broader regional averages under the old system.
The new approach helps correct geographic aggregation issues. However, wage data still relies heavily on unemployment insurance records, which often exclude farms and instead reflect farm labor contractors and support businesses.
Job-level differences also remain a concern. Wages for crop workers, livestock labor, and equipment operators are averaged together, even though they typically earn different pay rates. That can push wages above typical crop worker levels, which make up most H-2A jobs.
Farm-Level Takeaway: New wage rules improve accuracy but may still raise labor costs.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Lower tariff rates and new rail-service proposals may improve corn movement efficiency during early-season marketing.
November 21, 2025 12:01 PM
·
Crop producers face tightening credit and lower incomes, while strong cattle markets continue to stabilize finances in livestock-heavy regions.
November 21, 2025 11:58 AM
·
Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Stage Two will disburse around $16 billion, approved by Congress last year. Sign-ups begin Monday, and producers have until April to return applications.
November 21, 2025 11:48 AM
·
Removing the 40% duty sharply lowers U.S. beef import costs on beef, coffee, fertilizer and fruit, and restores Brazil’s competitiveness during a period of tight domestic supply.
November 21, 2025 10:30 AM
·
Row crop losses in 2025 are outpacing last year. With no disaster aid yet approved, many operations face a tough financial bridge to 2026 even as Farm Bill improvements remain a year away.
November 20, 2025 05:00 PM
·
Experts say farmers and ethanol producers would benefit from a risk-based ILUC system that protects forests without relying on speculative modeling.
November 20, 2025 04:24 PM
·
