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.

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.

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.

Fertilizer Prices Plunge and USDA Staffing Shortages

The Agribusiness Update
Fertilizer prices have retreated sharply in recent weeks as concerns over prolonged supply disruptions tied to tensions in the Middle East have eased, and ag and conservation groups want staffing shortages at USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency addressed.

California Cherry Challenges and Expanding Domestic Fertilizer Production

The Agribusiness Update
Fortunes went from bad to worse this year for California cherry growers, and the USDA announced renewed efforts to expand domestic fertilizer production.

Governor Kemp Signs Ag Bills and Expanding Domestic Fertilizer Production

The Agribusiness Update
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed into law 10 bills related to agriculture and forestry, and the USDA announced renewed efforts to expand domestic fertilizer production.

Mushrooms, demand and labor

Idaho Ag Today
U.S. mushroom growers are having problems meeting the growing consumer demand for fresh mushrooms.

Crawfish Industry Feeling the Squeeze

Southeast Regional Ag News
Imports, labor shortages, and weather extremes are testing resilience.

USDA Announces an All-Government Approach to Help Handle Fertilizer Issues

Line on Agriculture
The USDA is addressing rising fertilizer prices, which are particularly problematic for farmers as planting season begins. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins outlines a multi-faceted government effort to increase production and stabilize supply.

Potato plantings down

Idaho Ag Today
Idaho potato acres could be down this year, according to spud growers who are facing high input costs and low farm-level potato prices production.

Rules for groundwater users

Idaho Ag Today
IDWR finds 181,600 acre-foot shortfall of water in April 2026

Labor Shortage in Specialty Crops and USMCA Improvements Pushed

The Agribusiness Update
Labor shortages continue to challenge specialty crop growers, raising concerns about production, harvest and rising costs, and a bipartisan group of senators is urging continued support and improvements to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Record drought

Idaho Ag Today
IDWR Director issues Emergency Drought Declaration for all 44 Idaho counties.

Western mountain snowpack

Idaho Ag Today
The bottom line regarding the state of western mountain snowpack levels and a projected lack of water runoff to fill irrigation and municipal reservoirs

Trade Mission to Philippines and USDA Data Concerns

The Agribusiness Update
The USDA will lead a trade mission to the Philippines next week, to expand market access for America’s agriculture, and Senators Amy Klobuchar and Jeanne Shaheen led ten Democrats in raising concerns to USDA about the reliability of their data.

California Tomato Acreage Down and National Agriculture Day

The Agribusiness Update
California’s processing tomato acreage is set to decline for a third straight year, and leaders from across the U.S. ag sector will gather at USDA headquarters March 24th to celebrate National Agriculture Day.

Farm Groups Push for H-2A Reform in Washington

Southeast Regional Ag News
Agricultural leaders from across the Southeast joined the Ag Wage Reform Coalition to urge Congress to strengthen the guest worker program farmers rely on.

Finding Help in Agriculture

California Ag Today
Short-term labor, internships, and apprenticeships offer different solutions for farms and ranches.

Ag Groups Urge Congress to Finish Farm Bill and More Farmers Turn to Specialty Crops

The Agribusiness Update
Farm groups urge Congress to move quickly on a new Farm Bill, and some U.S. farmers are turning to specialty crops and alternative enterprises as low commodity prices and high input costs squeeze traditional farm profits.

Beyond the Raids

California Ag Today
A statewide survey finds that anxiety and instability, even more than direct enforcement, are shaping farm operations.