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.
Winter Weather, Drought Shape Early 2026 Farm Conditions
January 12, 2026 11:00 AM
·
This simple but powerful tool from Nutrien enables farmers to keep track of highly personalized input costs and expenses involved in running their operation.
January 12, 2026 09:00 AM
As domestic production and blending slowed, export demand remained a clear bright spot.
January 11, 2026 12:00 PM
·
How the Public Trust Doctrine Threatens Agricultural Property Rights
January 10, 2026 07:00 PM
·
Protein markets are fragmenting. Beef is supply-driven and more structurally expensive, whereas pork and poultry remain price-competitive.
January 10, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Tight fed supplies shift margin risk to packers, strengthening cattle price leverage but increasing volatility.
January 09, 2026 03:36 PM
·
Expanding chicken supplies are likely to keep prices under pressure in early 2026 despite steady demand growth.
January 09, 2026 11:00 AM
·
Reduced winter placements indicate tighter fed cattle supplies and greater leverage during peak-demand months.
January 09, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
January 08, 2026 11:42 AM
·
