Farmer Sentiment Up Slightly and Dairy Industry Urges Labor Reform
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson and this is your Agribusiness Update.
**Farmer sentiment held steady in September as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose one point to a reading of 126.
However, the Index of Current Conditions fell seven points to 122, and the Index of Future Expectations was up five points to 128.
Optimism about the future was supported by farmers’ belief that U.S. policy is headed in the “right direction” and by expectations of potential government support.
**The American Business Immigration Coalition and dairy industry leaders at the World Dairy Expo addressed the urgent labor shortages facing America’s dairy farmers.
They also championed practical immigration reforms tailored to the industry’s needs.
Speakers highlighted the essential role of workers in keeping dairy operations safe, efficient, and productive.
Brian Rexing of Dairy Farmers of America said we need Congress and the administration to address our broken agricultural visa program.
**A federal shutdown effectively freezes nearly all USDA-funded agricultural conservation work, with 95% of Natural Resources Conservation Service staff furloughed and program payments paused.
Why it matters is that the NRCS provides the technical and financial backbone for conservation on American farms.
Without it, many projects are stalled.
Meanwhile, it doesn’t impact privately-funded or state-run projects, unless they are done in collaboration with federal funding or agencies, and many are.
