Farmers and ranchers have been sounding the alarm over ag labor for years. Now, one farm group says it is optimistic that the new administration will tackle the problem.
“Whether it’s tax, farm bill, you name it, you know, sometimes you have some outliers. In the case of labor, 100 percent of American agriculture here is behind us to try and get this problem fixed. You know, we have a new Congress, a new President coming in, and I think there’s going to be a case to make a strong, if you want to be for the farmer, want to be for the rancher, this is what you’ve got to do, and that’s the source of my optimism,” said Chuck Conner.
President-Elect Trump made illegal immigration a centerpiece in his campaign. However, some worry his plan to deal with it could come at a cost to the ag industry. Earlier this week, he said he will consider using military force to carry out mass deportations. USDA numbers show more than a third of all hired farm help in the United States is made up by illegal immigrants.
For producers, success this season will require more than just a clean field; it will require meticulous record-keeping, a proactive written mitigation plan, and a constant eye on both the forecast and the federal docket.
March 10, 2026 05:04 PM
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UNL student fellow Alison Walbrecht shares her perspective on building support for agricultural research, extension, and teaching while gaining hands-on insight into federal policymaking.
March 10, 2026 03:57 PM
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Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on current cattle market conditions and shares advice for producers seeking to stay protected in an uncertain market.
March 10, 2026 03:08 PM
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Leadership continuity signals a steady focus on family farm advocacy.
March 10, 2026 02:48 PM
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National Pork Producers Council incoming president Rob Brenneman shares insights from the National Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City, where producers gathered to discuss Farm Bill policy, sustainability, and other priorities for the year ahead.
March 10, 2026 01:44 PM
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Tariff revenues rarely flow directly back to farmers.
March 10, 2026 12:19 PM
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