The Trump Administration’s deportation efforts have sparked concern among some in the ag industry, who claim that undocumented immigrant workers are avoiding their workplaces out of fear, causing production and price concerns.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) told ag reporters this week that he does not buy that claim:
“Don’t talk to me about the impact of deportation on the economy. Because right now we’re getting rid of people on the terrorist watchlist. We’re getting people with criminal elements, and no business person in the United States is going to hire people who are terrorists or criminals. So deporting them is going to have zero impact on the economy, and then there’s another category of people. A massive number of people... who have been adjudicated by our courts as not being entitled to asylum in the United States. And so, it’s been determined that they shouldn’t be in this country. So, let’s get rid of those, you know, whatever it adds up to — 1.5 million to 2 million people. Maybe a year from now, ask me the question about the impact it might have on the economy, but everything we’re doing right now has no impact on the economy.”
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
Sen. Grassley’s home state of Iowa is estimated to be home to nearly 105,000 undocumented immigrants.
The Economic Policy Institute says that many of those workers are at Tyson’s processing plants. Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered Iowa law enforcement officials to assist federal agencies in cases involving undocumented immigrants.
The dairy industry is facing similar challenges.
International Dairy Foods Association CEO Michael Dykes says that reforming legal foreign ag worker pathways will be a major priority for the industry this year. That includes pushing for year-round H-2A worker programs. Dykres argues that as more mass deportations take place, the dairy industry will need to find ways to make the legal process work.
The National Federation of Independent Business says 27 percent of owners named labor quality or availability their biggest problem, up eight points from June.
August 11, 2026 12:30 PM
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Border crossings have fallen, but ranchers say suspected smugglers are still moving through rural areas.
August 03, 2026 01:30 PM
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Washburn University law professor Roger McEowen says the H-2A visa program follows a different federal payroll framework than domestic agricultural labor.
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.
