WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — Changes are coming to the way H-2A workers are paid, and the U.S. Dept of Labor says it could save farmers and ranchers more than $2 billion each year on ag labor costs.
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. That is a report the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) previously said would be phased out.
Instead, they will rely on the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They claim this will save farmers and ranchers around $2.5 billion each year. The National Council of Ag Employers praised the move, saying it would bring farm wages back to reality.
Visas for the H-2A program have proliferated in recent years. In 2012, only 90,000 were issued. Last year, that number approached 400,000. The International Fresh Produce Association is also on board, stating it is pleased that the Department of Labor has taken into account issues it has been warning about for years.
That rule has been entered into the Federal Register and is taking effect today.
From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
January 20, 2026 03:39 PM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
·
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
January 20, 2026 01:14 PM
·
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
·
Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
January 19, 2026 05:00 PM
·
Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
January 19, 2026 03:00 PM
·
Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
January 19, 2026 01:00 PM
·
New Resource Makes It Easier for People to Access Data on Rural Development funded Projects in Rural Communities
January 19, 2026 11:50 AM
