Articles

 

https://campaign-image.com/zohocampaigns/133052000002479297_zc_v64_last.png

“Food grown and raised domestically is of a higher quality, it is safer, and it is a matter of national security. If you believe that as well – it should alarm you how close we are to the demise of the American farm.”

— Anna Murphree Rhinewalt, Sandy Ridge Farms Inc., testifying before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, February 26, 2025

NCAE this Week:

I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season! 

This newsletter represents my first official action as the new President and CEO of the National Council Agricultural Employers. And it wouldn’t be right to kick things off without first thanking my predecessor, Michael Marsh, for his many years of dedication and leadership to this industry, and this incredible organization. NCAE is a better organization because of his service, and we are forever in his debt.
Now, turning to the world of policy and politics that is Washington, DC. The House and Senate were both in recess this week due to the holiday season, but are set to return to begin the Second Session of the 119th Congress. And they are not short on work, but they are short on time.
With just 12 legislative days currently scheduled in the House for the month of January, Congress must potentially address the Obamacare subsidy cliff and still pass the nine remaining funding bills to keep the government open past January 30, 2026. Included in the House version of these funding measures is language that will expand the H-2A program to non-seasonal users, cap the AEWR, and finally do away with lingering Biden-era regulations.
In other news, NCAE remains deeply engaged with Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson and his staff regarding legislation he is working on to codify some of the regulatory improvements the Trump administration has made to the H-2A program and further improve the program for current and future users.
That’s all for this week, but the year ahead certainly seems full of potential for NCAE and its members. As your new President & CEO, I am eager to build upon our efforts in 2025 to ensure a prosperous 2026.

H-2 and Other Worker Status Issues:

Wisconsin Ag Secretary says farmers and ag industry weathered a tough 2025

In Washington orchards, immigration crackdown sows fear and uncertainty

Automate or Relocate: The $1,600-Per-Acre Crisis Facing U.S. Growers

Data Reveals How the Ag Labor Crisis Drives Up Food Prices

In Washington orchards, immigration crackdown sows fear and uncertainty

H-2A Challenges and Housing

New Worker Protections Taking Effect in California on January 1, 2026

Changes coming to H-2A guestworker program could lower wage rates for farmers in 2026

The invisible workforce behind Michigan’s $125B agriculture industry

Political Updates:

Labor Issues Dominated 2025 and Are Sure to Continue

Opinion: What happened to Trump’s ‘Golden Age’ for American workers?

Opinion: Trump plan to cut farmworker wages hurts America’s competitiveness

United Farm Workers has unionized eight farms under 2023 CA law. Here’s where:

Immigration Reform:

Why is U.S. Agriculture Still Waiting for Labor Reform?

Better Border Security Helping Farm Labor Discussion

Tenney, Republicans in Congress won’t address immigration despite its importance to farming

 

 

Articles

Read articles written by NCAE staff.


View All

Press Releases

Read the latest NCAE Press Releases


View All