Category: crop-production
The leadership gap in specialty crop farming: Meet the program working to close it
Find out about a program helping farm supervisors learn to lead people, not just manage harvests and operations.
H-2A employers: Review new AEWR wage requirements
Most employers must comply beginning Aug. 3 while employers in certain states covered by a federal court order have until Aug. 17.
NCAE-led coalition files Supreme Court brief in H-2A labor case
The filing contends that Congress authorized the Department of Labor to assess penalties for H-2A violations but did not authorize the agency to establish its own binding adjudication system.
Farm labor summer update: H-2A continues record climb
Total H-2A job certifications are up 20% in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The program remains on pace for record usage.
Ag Labor Review: When Rural America loses its seat at the table, we all pay a price
Farmers must engage with stakeholders early, speak clearly and connect field to grocery store shelf
2026 FGN Labor Survey: Growers turn to H-2A, automation to fill workforce gaps
A deep dive into grower-sourced data reveals labor shortages and major cost increases, H-2A program dependence and automation upside.
Long awaited SAWA labor reform drops, H-2A and immigration debate continues
The bill would overhaul the H-2A guest worker program while dividing agricultural organizations and immigration advocates over its approach to workforce reform.
SAWA ag labor reform supporters can voice opinions online
U.S. House Agriculture Committee chair Glenn Thompson has released details for the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act and is working to secure House cosponsors before its introduction in late June.
Michigan State Extension: AEWR flexibility saved growers $33 million
Michigan State University Extension experts say most certified H-2A positions were offered at the Skill Level I wage rate in 2026, resulting in substantially lower wage offers.
New tech alert: HarvestReplay uses labor data and audio podcasts to improve specialty crop management
Learn about an innovative operational intelligence platform created exclusively for specialty crop growers.
Ag labor groups applaud SAWA proposal, urge its passing
Learn why the coalition believes the legislation addresses many of the workforce challenges that have threatened the domestic fruit, vegetable, horticulture, nursery and other labor-intensive agricultural sectors.
Rising labor, volatile markets: The cost disconnect growers can’t control
NCAE head John Hollay says it’s time for farm labor policy that better aligns wages with market realities.
Federal court upholds enforcement of new AEWR wage rule
A federal court denied an effort to block the revised AEWR wage rule for H-2A workers, allowing the labor regulation to remain active.
Think your good boy (or girl) is the best? Nominations open for 2027 Farm Dog of the Year
The competition recognizes farm dogs that support agricultural operations and includes cash prizes. Learn how to enter and review eligibility requirements.
Frost survey: Help PA Farm Bureau grasp April freeze impacts
Take Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s short farmer survey to help quantify the impact of April’s frost.
Survey: U.S. fertilizer situation messy as low availability, high prices deliver big blow to farmer pockets
Nearly six in 10 farmers report worsening finances, reflecting rising fertilizer and fuel costs during spring planting. See the latest data.
Farm Bureau study: H‐2A use hits record levels
The latest ag labor data highlights ongoing challenges in finding domestic workers. Get updated insights into H-2 program usage.
Agrivoltaics in action: Iowa State research uncovers best crops for solar
New data shows yield gains for select vegetable crops grown in solar installations. Learn more about this cutting-edge production system.