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.
The USDA opened a new sterile fly-dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in South Texas to prevent a potential outbreak of New World screwworm and protect the small U.S. cattle herd.
February 12, 2026 10:47 AM
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China’s reliance on imported soybeans remains entrenched, shaping global demand and trade leverage.
February 12, 2026 10:46 AM
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Cuba remains a steady, nearby buyer of U.S. poultry, pork, dairy, and staples, but legal and compliance risks could still affect shipping and payment channels.
February 12, 2026 10:00 AM
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Agriculture remains a key drag on regional growth amid weak prices and policy uncertainty.
February 12, 2026 08:00 AM
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American Farmland Trust shares guidance, research, and policy solutions to help farmers navigate the growing threat of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” contaminating U.S. farmland.
February 11, 2026 02:24 PM
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Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association discusses the EPA’s new decision on over-the-top Dicamba and what it means for growers this year.
February 11, 2026 01:32 PM
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