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.

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.

H-2A Efficiency

Fruit Grower Report
U.S. Representative, Dan Newhouse says current legislation

being considered, the ‘Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act’ could do so much to help improve the H-2A system.

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.

Ag Groups Applaud SAWA and Phosphate Tariffs Suspended

The Agribusiness Update
Major livestock groups are applauding new legislation that would expand the H-2A guest worker program to year-round agriculture, and President signs executive order temporarily suspending countervailing duties applied to imported phosphate.

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.

Is H-2A Stealing Jobs?

Fruit Grower Report
Despite the claims by some that H-2A foreign guestworkers are taking jobs from American workers, the numbers don’t back them up.

Georgia Junior National Livestock Show and Ag Exports to Iran Possible

The Agribusiness Update
For the 15th year, Georgia Farm Bureau rewarded the 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors who showed the top animals at the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show, and American farmers could gain a new export market if ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran lead to an agreement allowing unfrozen Iranian assets to be used for food purchases.

Northwest Cherry Harvest and Senate Farm Bill Proposal

The Agribusiness Update
The Northwest cherry season has entered its peak shipping window, with volumes now at their highest levels of the year, and a new Senate farm bill proposal could face an uphill battle after reports indicated it does NOT include a delay in planned changes to SNAP funding.

Summer Break-Hungry Kids and Senate Farm Bill Proposal

The Agribusiness Update
Summer break can leave some Florida children without access to regular, healthy meals, and a new Senate farm bill proposal could face an uphill battle after reports indicated it does NOT include a delay in planned changes to SNAP funding.

Technology Decisions and H-2A Continues to Grow

The Agribusiness Update
Rising farm labor costs and depressed crop prices have pushed California farmers to seek labor-saving technology to remain financially viable, and the H-2A ag worker program continues to grow, with the DOL certifying 17% more jobs in the first half of fiscal 2026 than last year.

Georgia Animal Movement Changes and H-2A Continues to Grow

The Agribusiness Update
Georgia Ag Commissioner announces enhanced interstate animal movement requirements for all warm-blooded animals entering Georgia from Texas, and the H-2A ag worker program continues to grow, with the DOL certifying 17% more jobs in the first half of fiscal 2026 than last year.

Codify H-2A Wage Rates

Fruit Grower Report
While a federal district court recently upheld the Trump administration’s revised wage rule for H-2A ag workers, farmers and ag groups are concerned that the current rates could be reversed or drastically amended by a future administration.

Specialty Crop Labor Fixes

Fruit Grower Report
2026 is a year with continuing hopes that specialty crops will see some kind of ag labor reforms and be included in future ag assistance programs.

New AEWR Savings and WOTUS Rule Finalization

The Agribusiness Update
After years of rising labor costs, some farmers have seen relief in recent months thanks to the new AEWR rules, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says they’re working to finalize a new Waters of the U.S., or WOTUS, rule.

Specialty Crops and Labor

Fruit Grower Report
Samantha Ayoub, an agricultural economist for the International Fresh Produce Association, says fruit and vegetable producers have a significant need for year-round labor.

AEWR Upheld

Fruit Grower Report
A federal judge denied a United Farm Workers’ request to temporarily block the Trump administration’s revised wage rule for H-2A workers.

Beef Packing Antitrust Investigation and Judge Denies AEWR Block

The Agribusiness Update
The DOJ is intensifying its investigation into possible antitrust violations in the beef packing industry, and a federal judge in California has denied a request by the United Farm Workers to temporarily block the Trump administration’s revised wage rule for H-2A workers.

H-2A Reform

Fruit Grower Report
Ag-employers have been calling for changes to the H-2A foreign guestworker visa program for years, with few results.

Prevailing Wage Reform

Fruit Grower Report
When it comes to ag labor, there are plenty of challenges farmers have to deal with, including wages.