The dairy industry is urging Congress to advance legislation to make the H-2A program more workable for year-round dairy operations.
For agricultural producers, finding workers is only part of the challenge. The cost of hiring has also become a growing concern.
The National Federation of Independent Business says 27 percent of owners named labor quality or availability their biggest problem, up eight points from June.
Border crossings have fallen, but ranchers say suspected smugglers are still moving through rural areas.
Washburn University law professor Roger McEowen says the H-2A visa program follows a different federal payroll framework than domestic agricultural labor.
As labor shortages continue to reshape production agriculture, H-2A employment will likely remain an essential part of many farming operations. But the program’s payroll tax rules differ significantly from those applicable to domestic agricultural employees.
The proposed OSHA rule would require additional heat protections for workers during extreme temperatures.
Supporters say reforming the H-2A program is critical to maintaining a stable agricultural workforce and ensuring farms can continue producing food while remaining economically viable.
The National Federation of Independent Business says 32 percent of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill, up three points from May.
Supporters say the legislation would improve labor access while reducing delays for employers and workers.
Producers should track H-2A reform because labor access, wage rules, housing costs, and paperwork delays directly affect farm operations.
New research highlights the challenges beef and dairy producers face using the H-2A guestworker program.
From labor reform to youth development, the convention highlighted key issues facing Louisiana agriculture.
National Milk Producers Federation President Alan Bjerga joins us to discuss the USDA’s expanded H-2A visa program for dairy producers and labor issues facing the sector.
For farm country, that caution can mean higher costs, slower service, and less local investment.
Rural population growth supports long-term stability of the ag workforce.