T Bar T Ranch partner Jason Topp says the current H-2A program can be difficult for diversified operations that need workers year-round. “That’s a big one that we deal with here at our operation, where we have both livestock and crops, and that’s not really seasonal help.” Topp said the lengthy visa process also creates uncertainty about when workers will actually arrive. “The amount of time that it’s taking from the time that we give those applicants the job to the time that they’re getting through that process at the consulates in their home countries is creating a lot of challenges for us ” New Rockford farmer and rancher Jeff Schaefer said his family operation depends on H-2A workers. “It would be nice to get some reform and simplify this process.”
