AgTEC in California and USDA & NASA Team Up

The Agribusiness Update
A program called AgTEC launched two years ago in California aims to teach farmworkers new skills, and the USDA and NASA are teaming up to improve agricultural data for farmers.

Ag Overtime's Negative Impact

Fruit Grower Report
We told you recently about a new study from WSU showing that the ag overtime law in our state is not a benefit to anyone in agriculture. So now, lawmakers need to fix the problem.

Need For Guestworkers

Fruit Grower Report
It’s no secret that finding adequate, affordable ag labor is a huge challenge for farmers, especially in recent years, and U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse says it's a big problem here in the PNW.

Farmers File Solar Panel Lawsuit, Horticulture Careers Highlighted

Line on Agriculture
Farmers and renewable energy groups are suing the USDA over changes to the REAP program, arguing the new restrictions hinder solar project funding.

Seed Your Future is making efforts to promote the wide range of horticulture careers and connect students with local employers during Green Career Week, October 5–9.

Winegrapes Reduce Labor and USMCA Meeting

The Agribusiness Update
California farmworkers suffered a wave of job losses the past few years as work in the state’s winegrape vineyards dried up amid a market slump, and U.S., Mexican, and Canadian officials are meeting this week as part of the Tri-National Agricultural Accord.

Need for More Guestworkers

Fruit Grower Report
It’s no secret that finding adequate, affordable ag labor is a huge challenge for farmers, especially in recent years.

When the Vineyard Work Dries Up

California Ag Today
California’s winegrape downturn is reshaping jobs along with acreage.

Ag Overtime Study by WSU & CLL

Fruit Grower Report
A new study appears to support farm sector fears about Washington state’s ag overtime law and the damage it’s done.

Ag Unions

Fruit Grower Report
When Senate Bill 6045 failed to get a vote during the last legislative session in Olympia, many were relieved that giving collective bargaining rights to Washington farm workers was shelved for now.

Heads up drivers

Idaho Ag Today
There’s a #BrakeForHarvest public service announcement campaign for the current harvest season, warning drivers to use extra caution while driving.

AEWR Cap

Fruit Grower Report
Farms and ranches that employ workers under the H2-A program now have their federally mandated minimum wage under the new Adverse Effect Wage Rate.

H-2A Reforms on Hold and Ag Trade Deficit Down

The Agribusiness Update
A court ruling casts uncertainty over recent reforms to the H-2A ag guestworker program, leaving current wage rates in place for now, and U.S. ag exports are expected to strengthen as USDA raised its trade forecast and projected a smaller ag trade deficit for 2026.

Ground Beef Import Proclamation Signed by POTUS, H-2A Worker Wage Rate Verdict

Line on Agriculture
President Donald Trump's proclamation to remove tariffs on 300,000 metric tons of imported lean beef trimmings has drawn criticism from some Republicans and the U.S. cattle industry, including the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

A federal judge has invalidated a Trump administration rule that would have lowered wages for some foreign farm workers, citing insufficient public input.

Mexican Livestock Trade Resumes and Trade Delegation to Australia

The Agribusiness Update
USDA began reopening Southwest ports for livestock trade last week, more than a year after suspending crossings to slow the spread of New World Screwworm, and USDA sent a delegation to Australia last week to strengthen export opportunities for U.S. farmers and ranchers.

Need for Guestworkers

Fruit Grower Report
It’s no secret that finding adequate, affordable ag labor is a huge challenge for farmers, especially in recent years.

Lack of Understanding

Fruit Grower Report
U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse says with the labor shortages and high expenses, there is a lot of misinterpretations of the ag labor force in general.

Ag Labor Needs

Fruit Grower Report
H-2A reform is just one of many labor challenges farmers are facing today that need to be fixed.

AEWR Cap

Fruit Grower Report
House Ag Chair GT Thompson’s “Securing Agricultural Workforce Act” offers a cap on year-to-year increases in the wage rate.

H-2A Program Growth Renews Labor Reform Conversation

Southeast Regional Ag News
As use of the H-2A guest worker program climbs, proposed legislation aims to modernize rules that have remained largely unchanged for nearly 40 years.

Securing Ag Workforce Act and Push for Prop 12 Fix in Farm Bill

The Agribusiness Update
Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act of 2026 would broaden access to H-2A workers, and agricultural groups are urging the Senate Ag Committee to include language in their final bill to address the problems caused by California’s Proposition 12.