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“If you’re running a million-dollar farm or a $10 million farm, you’ve got to know what you’re paying next year, or you just can’t stay in business,” he said. “Stability is the No. 1 thing here. You can’t make plans and have a business plan without having a good hold on your costs or expenses.”

— Greg Bird, Michigan Vegetable Council

NCAE This Week:

The big news out of Washington this week is the potential end of the DHS shutdown as the Senate reached a deal overnight Thursday into Friday which will fund the agencies operations with the exception of ICE and CBP activities. However, late minute reports have the House refusing to call the bill for a vote. It should be noted that the One Big, Beautiful Bill provided both of these agencies with funding that far exceeds its annual appropriations for these functions, so the agencies are not without resources.

This week also featured two distinct agricultural events here in DC that NCAE staff attended. These include the celebrations surrounding “National Ag Day” on Tuesday, and a special White House event celebrating Farmers on Friday. It has been wonderful to see agriculture’s presence here in the nation’s capital over the last few weeks and to ensure that NCAE and our members were part of it.

NCAE staff were also hard at work organizing an “all hands on deck” effort for our allies in Washington DC to join together to press the administration for H-2A relief. Early next week, we will unveil a joint letter spearheaded by NCAE which unites all of the various groups in the agricultural labor space under one united front seeking relief to ensure that the President’s signature relief package labor intensive agriculture succeeds. If you are an association or similarly organized group that would like to join this effort, please reach out me directly. 

Finally, I wanted to share that I has a wonderful time visiting with both current and future NCAE members in Valdosta, GA this week. My whirlwind trip only allowed me to be on the ground for about 24 hours, but I got to see the great work that MAS Labor does for our industry, and the enthusiasm that exists to finally see some light at the end of the tunnel. As I explained to the crowded room, it is their passion – your passion – and your tenacity which has positioned us for success, and it will be that same passion that will help ensure these reforms work as intended.

Next week, the House begins its two-week Spring recess, while the Senate will remain in session (at least for now) but currently has no committee business or other matters scheduled. Given the shifting result of the DHS situation, it remains to be seen what the next steps are.

I will be on the road again, this time to Florida, to speak at the Florida Farm Bureau meeting. As I have mentioned previously, I so enjoy these opportunities to get out and see the membership and I hope that you will consider inviting me out to listen and learn from you as well!

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NCAE President & CEO John Hollay and Ten Acre Marketing Senior VP Mary Heslep attend the National Ag Day Ceremonies in the U. S. Senate, March 24, 2026.

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National Watermelon Association Executive Director George Szczepanski, NCAE President & CEO John Hollay, and American Mushroom Institute President Rachel Roberts attend the National Ag Day Ceremonies in the U. S. Senate, March 24, 2026.
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NCAE Director of External Affairs and Operations Susan Lester and NCAE Members attend the White House Event for Farmers, March 27, 2026.

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NCAE Director of External Affairs and Operations Susan Lester and International Fresh Produce Association Director of U.S. Government Affairs Samantha Ayoub attend the National Ag Day Ceremonies at USDA, March 24, 2026.

Legislative Actions:

Senator Ted Budd Introduces AEWR Relief Legislation 

North Carolina Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced legislation to codify the Department of Labor’s AEWR Interim Final Rule’s wage structure. NCAE joined the Ag Workforce Coalition in praising Senator Budd’s engagement on this issue. Codifying the Trump Administration wage structure is a critical piece of any reform legislation that NCAE is advocating for.

Ag Workforce Coalition Statement: “The Ag Workforce Coalition appreciates Senator Budd’s leadership and his effort to codify the Administration’s interim final rule on H-2A wages. Wage reform is one critical aspect of needed changes to the H-2A program to ensure farmers, growers, and ranchers can continue to feed this nation. As the needs of labor-intensive agriculture continue to grow nationwide, we look forward to working with Congress to achieve lasting program reforms as quickly as possible,” said the Agriculture Workforce Coalition.

Congresswoman Lofgren File Congressional Review Act Resolution Against Trump AEWR IFR 

In a disappointing development, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced a partisan Congressional Review Act Resolution which seeks to disapprove of the historic Trump Administration wage relief measure that will ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in America.

H-2 and Other Worker Status Issues:

The annual cap for H-2B visas has already reached its statutory limit for the second half of fiscal year 2026. A reminder that the annual visa limit for H-2Bs are set at 66,000 and are divided into two tranches throughout the year. In other H-2B related news, DOL issued a series of federal notices regarding forms and prevailing wage determination processes.

News articles and citations of interest for week ending 2026/03/27:

 

H-2A Processing Delays Push 2026 Produce Season to the Brink

Farm Labor Crisis Fuels AgTech Automation Surge

NCAE to Host Webinar on the H-2A Interim Final Rule

UFW advocates for farmworkers, but represents fewer now than during Chavez’s era

United Farm Workers could face lawsuits over Chavez sex abuse claims, attorneys say

Ag Labor Shortage Compounded by Visa Issue

Trump promised an economic revival, but his policies could lead to a crisis for the farm industry

Editorial: Visa program overhaul for farm workers nods to failure of immigration raids

New H-2A legislation coming: GOP ag lawmakers target year-round farm labor needs & cost controls

H-2A visa delays threaten 2026 potato planting in Red River Valley, United States

The Rise and Fall of the United Farm Workers

MI farmers meet with labor secretary, thank her for AEWR rule, urge for codifying it into law

Minnesota farmers share labor outlook

In Brief: Pesticide labeling, H-2A wage rate and “Captive Audience” law

Vermont Sugar Makers Rely on Migrant Workers

Local farms enter season amid labor worries

The United States Tightens CDL Rules for Migrant Truck Drivers

H-2B Work Visas Hit 2026 Cap

A rivalry between two agricultural overtime bills is settled at the Colorado statehouse

 

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