Northwest Cherry Harvest and Senate Farm Bill Proposal
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**The Northwest cherry season has entered its peak shipping window, with volumes now at their highest levels of the year and more fruit expected to move through the supply chain in the coming weeks.
5.5 million boxes have already been shipped, and daily shipments are exceeding 400,000 boxes.
Crop quality remains excellent, with strong sizing, color, and flavor being reported.
As supplies increase, retail pricing has begun to ease into a promotable range.
**A new Senate farm bill proposal could face an uphill battle after reports indicated it does NOT include a delay in planned changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding.
Politico says Senate Ag Chair John Boozman previewed the bill Monday ahead of its public release.
The disagreement could complicate efforts to advance a new farm bill, as Senate leaders will likely need bipartisan support to reach the 60 votes required for passage.
**Dairy farmers may soon have a new option for hiring workers after the Trump administration announced guidance allowing dairy operations to access the H-2A visa program if they can demonstrate a temporary or seasonal labor need.
Previously, most dairy farms were excluded from H-2A because milk production requires year-round labor.
Under the new guidance, applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis using the same standards applied to other H-2A employers.
