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.

Jenn Mariscal's message

Idaho Ag Today
Jenn Mariscol wasn’t sure she could talk about the tragedy in her family, losing her husband to suicide.

Senate Proposal to Overhaul Guest Worker Program

Line on Agriculture
The American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall highlights the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act as a key solution to the farm labor shortage, emphasizing the need for a year-round workforce. The bill, introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson, aims to expand the H-2A guest worker program and modernize farm labor systems.

Parma R & E benefits

Idaho Ag Today
Back in 1922 U of I entomologists were sent to Parma to help local farmers address an outbreak of alfalfa weevil.

AI and cow health

Idaho Ag Today
Technology can save time and labor, but “good data” is the key

Consider data quality and quantity when choosing your technology partner.

Parma Celebration

Idaho Ag Today
Celebration began for the one-hundredth anniversary of the University of Idaho’s Parma Research and Extension Center in Canyon County.

Agri-Pulse Food and Ag Summit and Ag Exports to Iran Possible

The Agribusiness Update
Labor shortages, rising costs and water access emerged as key concerns for farmers during discussions at the 2026 Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Issues Summit, 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.

Cultiva and Kallur

Fruit Grower Report
With labor constraints and tight harvest windows, first-pick success is more important now than ever. Cultiva’s North American Sales Manager, Thiago Moraes says color is a key focus for growers right now.

AFBF Pushes for USMCA

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
One of America’s most important trade agreements is up for renewal this year, and the ag community is watching very closely.

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.

New World Screwworm Vigilance in Washington

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Now that New World Screwworm has made its way across our southern border and infected cattle in Texas and New Mexico, the question is, should we need to be worried about it up here in the Pacific Northwest?

Cloud seeding 1

Idaho Ag Today
Take a look at Cloud Seeding which has been around for about 80 years.

Georgia Data Center and IFPA's Washington Conference

The Agribusiness Update
Another data center is threatening farmers and their land, this time in Georgia, and Fresh produce industry leaders were in Washington, D.C. advocating policy priorities affecting growers, consumers, and ag businesses.

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.

Alabama Beef Leaders Sound the Alarm

Southeast Regional Ag News
Industry leaders are urging producers to stay alert for signs of New World screwworm.

Livestock insect research

Idaho Ag Today
A dedication ceremony in the hill country of Texas.

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.

California Dairies Watch Safety Net Debate

California Ag Today
Industry leaders say the Dairy Margin Coverage Program may need updates for today’s costs.

Washington Ag Wage Crisis

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Wages for ag workers in Washington state are pushing the limits of affordability for farmers.