Articles tagged under: ag labor
Farmer Worker Bill Introduced
Published June 24, 2022
California Senator Alex Padilla introduced a bill to extend overtime pay to farmworkers. If passed, the Fairness for Farmworkers Act of 2022 would extend overtime pay to all U.S. farmworkers who were excluded from the Fair Labor Standards Act of…Farm Bureau: New Vaccine Requirements May Limit Available Workforce
Published January 24, 2022
The Department of Homeland Security will start enforcing vaccine requirements for non-U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S. through ports of entry, including essential workers. In response, the American Farm Bureau Federation expressed concern, noting that the department failed to give…Strike Continues at John Deere Plants
Published November 3, 2021
Union workers rejected the latest contract offer from Deere and Company and the strike will continue. Deere offered a ten percent wage increase, an $8,500 ratification bonus and agreed to keep a pension option available for new employees. At the…Year-Round Pork Needs Year-Round Workers
Published July 5, 2021
The National Pork Producers Council has launched a new campaign highlighting the need for labor reform. With a theme of ‘Year-Round Pork Needs Year-Round Workers,’ this public relations effort demonstrates the role of foreign-born workers within the U.S. pork industry.…Ag Labor Figures Updated
Published May 27, 2021
Compared to one year ago, the number of workers hired by farmers nationwide is down 11 percent. In the Northern Plains, which includes North and South Dakota, the number of farm workers declined 17 percent. The Lake Region of Minnesota,…Workforce Challenges Outlined at Congressional Forum
Published April 9, 2021
The agriculture sector joined representatives of timber, construction and tourism industries for a congressional roundtable event Thursday in Staples, Minnesota. Seventh District Representative Michelle Fischbach and Eighth District Representative Pete Stauber heard concerns about the lack of housing, childcare and…U.S. Custom Harvesters Concerned About Ag Labor Needs
Published January 28, 2021
President Biden’s executive order banning travel from South Africa is causing a headache for U.S. Custom Harvesters Incorporated. Board member Ryan Haffner says it would be devastating for custom harvesters if workers are not allowed into the U.S. "In worst…Temporary Adjustments Made to H-2A Visa Requirements
Published April 15, 2020
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is adjusting H-2A visa requirements during the coronavirus. A new, temporary rule will allow an H-2A petitioner with a valid labor certification to employ workers currently in the H-2A status. The U.S. Citizenship and…Policy Analyst Breaks Down the COVID-19 Stimulus Package, H-2 Waivers
Published March 30, 2020
According to Pro Farmer policy analyst Jim Wiesmeyer, funding for agriculture within the coronavirus stimulus package passed on Friday is a cash flow lifeline. The legislation includes an additional $9.5 billion for USDA to support local food providers and specialty…