Podcasts about h2a

Catholic bishops from across California held mass at the Adelanto ICE Detention Center near the Mojave Desert on Wednesday. This is part on of an outreach effort to immigrants who have been caught up in the Trump administration's ongoing immigration crackdown here in California. Reporter: Anthony Victoria, KVCR Farmworkers across the country are suing the Trump administration. They want to axe a recent change to the guest worker visa program, known as H-2A, that cuts farmworker pay by 25%. Reporter: Joshua Yeager Housing advocates filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass over their orders banning duplexes in burn zones. Reporter: David Wagner, LAist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://www.themomentumcompany.com/thrivingleader2026Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, Mark Jewell sits down with Michael Hill, CEO of H&A Farms, a vertically integrated operation in Florida that has transformed the blueberry supply chain. Starting as a fourth-generation farmer with a single employee, Michael now leads the business responsible for packing 40% of Florida's blueberry crop while running thriving agritourism and processing divisions.Michael opens up about the pressures of scaling, surviving pandemic-era uncertainty, finding—and keeping—the right people, and the mindset it takes to grow, diversify, and lead through chaos. His story is a lesson in intentionality, delegation, resilience, and never forgetting the value of your name.Key Takeaways:1. Leadership Starts With Your Word: Intentional leaders don't just tell others what to do—they hold themselves accountable first. Michael reminds us that the most dangerous promises to break are the ones we make to ourselves.2. Delegation Is a Skill — Not a Surrender: From running everything himself in year one to scaling to over 2,000 seasonal workers, Michael learned the hard way that growth depends on your ability to trust others, define responsibility, and let go of control.3. Crisis Reveals Character: During COVID, 98% of Michael's sales evaporated overnight. Instead of shutting down and causing market collapse, he held the line, protected his growers, and managed an unprecedented backlog until demand returned.4. Culture Evolves — But It Must Be Protected: Michael's business outgrew its early “everyone does everything” startup DNA. To evolve, he had to install structures, set standards, and protect culture by removing mediocre players who couldn't or wouldn't keep up.5. Seasonal Ag Labor Is Not for the Faint of Heart: Managing hundreds of local workers and 1,800 H2A harvesters in a seven-week window requires systems, communication, and acceptance that during peak season, work takes over life. Not everyone is built for that kind of leadership—and that's okay.Notable Quotes:“You die with one thing in this world — your name.” – Michael Hill“If I believe I can bet on myself, is it really a risk?” – Michael Hill“Winners want to be around other winners. The mediocre don't.” – Michael Hill“You can't just delegate — you have to put the right people in the right seats.” – Michael Hill“Still being here? That's the win.” – Michael HillAction Steps:Create your own Delegate-to-Elevate grid and get honest about what needs to go.Assess your team: Who's a fit for the mission? Who's just along for the ride?Consider crisis planning: What would you do if 98% of demand stopped overnight?Make one visible choice this week that protects your integrity and leadership reputation.Listen If You Are:Building or scaling an agribusiness from scratchStruggling to delegate or develop leaders around youCurious about blueberries, packing, and agritourism at scaleLeading teams with seasonal or H2A laborLooking for real-world stories of grit, growth, and intentional leadership

Farmers are having a tough time of it. Tariffs are driving up costs, and trade wars are driving down crop prices. North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring talked about those things on this episode of Plain Talk, but he also pointed out another problem. Labor shortages, which not only leave positions unfilled, but also drive up wages for those who are available for hire. "You can't get anybody to come out and want to work on a farm," he said. Contributing to the labor shortage is problems with the H2A visa program for temporary agriculture workers. "H2A is specific to skilled labor that we can bring into the country to help us do the work, because you can't find anybody anymore to do it," Goehring said. "And sometimes when you talk about that, people are like, 'Yeah, you're just trying to get free cheap labor.' No. On the contrary, in fact, if you bring in an H2A worker from South Africa or from South America or Central America, you're required to have housing for them. You're required to pay for their transportation. You're required to pay them, no matter what, when they're here," he continued. Asked if the Trump administration's hostility to immigrants was contributing to labor shortages, Goehring admitted it's having an impact "to some degree," but also pointed to complexities in the visa program, as well as the oil industry's competition for workers. Goehring also discussed the Industrial Commission's $400 million in loan programs to help farmers grappling with tough times. "We're lucky, you know, North Dakota has the only state-owned, sovereign bank in the entire country," he said. "We aren't FDI insured. We're insured by and the backing of the state of North Dakota. So, with that being said, it gives us the ability to develop some programs and be the banker's bank, help them manage and mitigate risk better for our multiple industries out there. This just happens to be agriculture right now because there's been several several areas that have been hard hit in our economy." Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the national fight over immigration, the challenges of selling and buying locally-produced foods, and the case for harm reduction programs like needle and pipe exchanges in our communities. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Farmers are having a tough time of it. Tariffs are driving up costs, and trade wars are driving down crop prices. North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring talked about those things on this episode of Plain Talk, but he also pointed out another problem. Labor shortages, which not only leave positions unfilled, but also drive up wages for those who are available for hire. "You can't get anybody to come out and want to work on a farm," he said. Contributing to the labor shortage is problems with the H2A visa program for temporary agriculture workers. "H2A is specific to skilled labor that we can bring into the country to help us do the work, because you can't find anybody anymore to do it," Goehring said. "And sometimes when you talk about that, people are like, 'Yeah, you're just trying to get free cheap labor.' No. On the contrary, in fact, if you bring in an H2A worker from South Africa or from South America or Central America, you're required to have housing for them. You're required to pay for their transportation. You're required to pay them, no matter what, when they're here," he continued. Asked if the Trump administration's hostility to immigrants was contributing to labor shortages, Goehring admitted it's having an impact "to some degree," but also pointed to complexities in the visa program, as well as the oil industry's competition for workers. Goehring also discussed the Industrial Commission's $400 million in loan programs to help farmers grappling with tough times. "We're lucky, you know, North Dakota has the only state-owned, sovereign bank in the entire country," he said. "We aren't FDI insured. We're insured by and the backing of the state of North Dakota. So, with that being said, it gives us the ability to develop some programs and be the banker's bank, help them manage and mitigate risk better for our multiple industries out there. This just happens to be agriculture right now because there's been several several areas that have been hard hit in our economy." Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the national fight over immigration, the challenges of selling and buying locally-produced foods, and the case for harm reduction programs like needle and pipe exchanges in our communities. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Recorded from our new home on Bainbridge Island and released on Thanksgiving, this episode is equal parts gratitude and practical investing help. I open with my annual tradition of writing a fresh Thanksgiving list—people, communities, and institutions that have shaped my life and this work. I'm especially thankful for you, the DIY investors who keep showing up to learn, ask thoughtful questions, and hopefully staying the course.I also share appreciation for the resources that support disciplined investing—Morningstar, the Bogleheads community, and the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII). After a recent AAII presentation (over 150 attendees), we ran out of time for a live Q&A. I promised to respond to every legitimate question, so this episode kicks off a multi-part series answering them in depth.Here are the first 12 AAII questions covered in today's episode:(9:42) What alterations in portfolio construction do you recommend in transition from accumulation to distribution in order to maximize diversification of uncorrelated assets, safe withdrawal rates, and spending? ⁠Table h2a (21:21) I'm a huge fan of your U.S. two-fund portfolio. Why is diversification between large-cap growth and small-cap value so important, while diversification between VTSAX and AVUS (within the same asset class) is not? Should we diversify fund selection within the same asset class? Table K2b(26:49) Have you considered creating a quilt chart for the Ultimate Buy-and-Hold portfolios with a 70/30 U.S./international split? Table K1a and H2a and H2b(32:04) You appear to have avoided any mention of mid-cap. Should we be ignoring mid-cap funds?(33:35) What do you think about adding alternative investments to the portfolio (for example, managed futures)?(38:39) Are your recommendations for everyone, or does the game change when you have a pension for life?(43:07) I was fighting with the Zoom link and arrived 25 minutes into the presentation. Will a video recording be available to participants?(44:08) What would you expect the difference between the S&P 500 cap-weighted index (VFINX)and the S&P 500 equal-weighted index (VADAX)  to be?(49:53) The four-fund portfolios are equal-weighted across their asset classes, which results in a value tilt overall. Why weigh them equally?(54:35) One might think that adding international large-cap growth and international small-cap value to the two-fund approach would improve results. Does international allocation mainly reduce volatility/drawdown length, or also increase returns?  H2a and H2b(56:26) Can you buy DFA and Avantis funds at Charles Schwab?(58:40) What should you do if you have a lump sum to invest today, but current market highs make entry uncomfortable? https://awealthofcommonsense.com/2025/11/do-we-need-a-long-bear-market/

Whether in Olympia or other urban parts of our state, there seems to be a big misunderstanding or ignorance of what the H-2A guestworker visa program is and how it works.

The U.S. freight market is grappling with a massive security crisis as cargo theft surges 29% in Q3 driven by organized crime targeting electronics and high-value pharmaceuticals. We analyze how carriers must implement comprehensive security measures and establish clear policies to ensure truck cameras succeed in litigation, especially regarding how crucial video retention rules are. The logistics industry faces a dramatic regulatory shift as the FMCSA's tighter bond enforcement looms over freight brokers in 2026, taking full effect on January 16, 2026. These new rules mandate immediate operating authority suspension for bond shortfalls and require BMC-85 trust funds to be solely cash or cash-equivalent assets, accelerating market consolidation among poorly capitalized 3PLs. Agricultural supply chains are under threat due to regulatory confusion, detailed in the crackdown on foreign truckers that threatens US farm labor, as states inadvertently pause CDL issuance for essential H-2A farm workers. Industry groups are urgently pushing the FMCSA to clarify this existing H-2A exemption and extend similar CDL exemptions to J-1 visa workers due to their vital seasonal role in custom harvesting. We also cover the operational crunch in air freight, as UPS compensates for lost use of grounded MD-11 cargo jets after the mandatory grounding of its MD-11 fleet following a deadly crash. UPS is mitigating this peak season capacity gap by wet leasing supplemental lift from partners like Cargojet and Amerijet, alongside reconfiguring its ground network. Finally, we discuss the major strategic footprint change as Maersk relocates its North American HQ to Charlotte, moving its headquarters from New Jersey to North Carolina. This relocation involves a $16 million investment and 500 new jobs, driven by Charlotte's affordability and growing talent pool. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the federal government back up and running, NPC CEO Kam Quarles and COO Mike Wenkel called into the Eye on Potatoes podcast this week to discuss the National Potato Council's top priorities for the next two months and provide updates on key labor and environmental regulatory efforts. Join us as we take a deep dive into: Congressional priorities now that the government is reopened; key recommendations of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance for the new Farm Bill; the outlook and critical deadlines for emergency relief programs for growers; and top legislative and appropriations priorities, including securing funding for research and market development.Mike will also provide updates on the regulatory environment, covering: the potential impacts of the Department of Labor's new two-level wage structure for the H-2A program; and the benefits of the new EPA WOTUS proposal, specifically the clarity on excluding certain ditches.

The U.S. freight market is grappling with a massive security crisis as cargo theft surges 29% in Q3 driven by organized crime targeting electronics and high-value pharmaceuticals. We analyze how carriers must implement comprehensive security measures and establish clear policies to ensure truck cameras succeed in litigation, especially regarding how crucial video retention rules are. The logistics industry faces a dramatic regulatory shift as the FMCSA's tighter bond enforcement looms over freight brokers in 2026, taking full effect on January 16, 2026. These new rules mandate immediate operating authority suspension for bond shortfalls and require BMC-85 trust funds to be solely cash or cash-equivalent assets, accelerating market consolidation among poorly capitalized 3PLs. Agricultural supply chains are under threat due to regulatory confusion, detailed in the crackdown on foreign truckers that threatens US farm labor, as states inadvertently pause CDL issuance for essential H-2A farm workers. Industry groups are urgently pushing the FMCSA to clarify this existing H-2A exemption and extend similar CDL exemptions to J-1 visa workers due to their vital seasonal role in custom harvesting. We also cover the operational crunch in air freight, as UPS compensates for lost use of grounded MD-11 cargo jets after the mandatory grounding of its MD-11 fleet following a deadly crash. UPS is mitigating this peak season capacity gap by wet leasing supplemental lift from partners like Cargojet and Amerijet, alongside reconfiguring its ground network. Finally, we discuss the major strategic footprint change as Maersk relocates its North American HQ to Charlotte, moving its headquarters from New Jersey to North Carolina. This relocation involves a $16 million investment and 500 new jobs, driven by Charlotte's affordability and growing talent pool. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether in Olympia or other urban parts of our state, there seems to be a big misunderstanding or ignorance of what the H-2A guestworker visa program is and how it works.

In this episode, Curtis Smith (TNLA Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs) sits down with Arnulfo Hinojosa, COO of FEWA, to break down the latest changes to the H-2A program following the U.S. Department of Labor's new Interim Final Rule. In just 30 minutes, we cover what employers in the nursery, greenhouse, and landscape sectors need to know heading into the 2026 filing season — including new wage calculations, advertising requirements, incidental tasks, staggered start dates, interview waivers, and the broader legal landscape surrounding H-2A. Topics include: • What's now in effect under the Interim Final Rule • How OEWS wage data, skill levels, and the Adverse Compensation Adjustment will impact pay • Best practices for advertising wages and retaining returning workers • Clarifying incidental tasks and job-order scope • How staggered start dates and interview waivers work under the new system • What lawsuits and regulatory shifts mean for employers • Practical next steps for green-industry operations preparing 2026 applications A timely conversation for anyone navigating seasonal labor, compliance, and workforce planning under the evolving H-2A program.

In today's podcast Paul has a conversation with Chalmers Carr, III. He and his wife were the 2017 Top Producer and they currently farm about 6,000 acres of peaches in South Carolina and abut 750 acres of vegetables. In the podcast, we discuss the growth of the farm operation (he is a first generation farmer) and review how the H2A program works and some changes coming to it. We also go over how crop insurance helped keep them in business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ag employers took a big sigh of relief last month after the Department of Labor revised the methodology for determining the H-2A program's Adverse Effect Wage Rate.

It's The Ranch It Up Radio Show! Join Jeff Tigger Erhardt, Rebecca Wanner AKA BEC and their crew as they find out more on the Common Ground Coalition that so many of us have been hearing about.  Plus, market reports, upcoming sales, and info you just don't hear anywhere less on this all-new episode of The Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. Season 5, EPISODE 263 Common Ground Coalition Seeks To Preserve America's Food Security By Uniting Livestock Producers   Agriculture is not optional. America's food chain is only as strong as our family farms and ranches. Our livestock industry is better together and must unify with one voice. As dedicated stakeholders in the livestock industry, we call upon our fellow livestock producers and all of agriculture to join us and stand united. The time has come to prove that our industry can and will align to drive meaningful and lasting change, safeguarding the future of America's agricultural sector, rural communities and our nation's food independence. We need your help in giving America's livestock industry a common voice. The 5 Key Components Of The Common Ground Coalition 1. Achieve and Maintain Ag-Friendly Tax Policy Extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions that help agriculture beyond 2025, including: Preservation of federal transfer tax lifetime exemption amounts, indexed for inflation, and Retention of step-up in basis under § 1014, and Return to 100% bonus depreciation under § 168, and Continued expanded application of § 179, and Maintenance of the § 199A qualified business income deduction. Increase the aggregate limit allowed under § 2032A to $30 million, indexed for inflation. 2. Make Risk Management Tools More Effective Increase the Livestock Risk Protection subsidy level, and Allow Livestock Risk Protection coverage to start the day price risk is assumed, and Create or improve mechanisms for industry input and oversight of risk management tools that will make them more attractive to producers. 3. Improve Access To Labor Remove the seasonality component from H-2 programs, and Create an optimized and efficient process for workers in good standing to return to the same employer year after year, and Redefine “agricultural employer” to expand its scope for purposes of H-2A programs to include more employers essential to agricultural production in the United States. 4. Increase Flexibility For Livestock Haulers Exempt livestock haulers from Hours-of-Service rules, and Permanently exempt livestock haulers from the Electronic Logging Device mandate, and Support the state and federal adoption of increased load capacity limits. 5. Create Support For Young & Emerging Livestock Producers Reform USDA programs to raise limits on guaranteed loan programs, streamline the lending process, and expand eligibility criteria. Create tax credits or incentives for leasing or selling land to, and providing capital to, younger or emerging livestock producers, including elimination of capital gains, reduced financing costs, and access to loans. Create front-loaded tax relief for buyers purchasing land for use in livestock production. Establish programs and educational programming to cultivate interest in young people to pursue careers in livestock production. Incentivize livestock producers and others, including those in academia, business, and government, to mentor young or emerging livestock producers and support new entrants into the industry. Develop technologies targeted at increasing efficiency in livestock production. For more Information more information on the Common Ground Coalition, click HERE Featured Experts in the Cattle Industry Jake Parnell – Common Ground Coalition https://www.commongroundcoalition.net/ Follow on Facebook: @CommonGroundCoalition Kirk Donsbach – Financial Analyst at StoneX https://www.stonex.com/ Follow on Facebook: @StoneXGroupInc Shaye Wanner – Host of Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ Follow on Facebook: @cattleconvos Contact Us with Questions or Concerns Have questions or feedback? Feel free to reach out via: Call/Text: 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Email: RanchItUpShow@gmail.com Follow us: Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow YouTube: Subscribe to Ranch It Up Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RanchItUp Catch all episodes of the Ranch It Up Podcast available on all major podcasting platforms. Discover the Heart of Rural America with Tigger & BEC Ranching, farming, and the Western lifestyle are at the heart of everything we do. Tigger & BEC bring you exclusive insights from the world of working ranches, cattle farming, and sustainable beef production. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner (BEC) and their mission to promote the Western way of life at Tigger and BEC. https://tiggerandbec.com/ Industry References, Partners and Resources For additional information on industry trends, products, and services, check out these trusted resources: Allied Genetic Resources: https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ American Gelbvieh Association: https://gelbvieh.org/ Axiota Animal Health: https://axiota.com/multimin-campaign-landing-page/ Imogene Ingredients: https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ Jorgensen Land & Cattle: https://jorgensenfarms.com/#/?ranchchannel=view Medora Boot: https://medoraboot.com/ RFD-TV: https://www.rfdtv.com/ Rural Radio Network: https://www.ruralradio147.com/ Superior Livestock Auctions: https://superiorlivestock.com/ Transova Genetics: https://transova.com/ Westway Feed Products: https://westwayfeed.com/ Wrangler: https://www.wrangler.com/ Wulf Cattle: https://www.wulfcattle.com/

You’ve heard us talk about labeling rules for dairy and meat, but what about honey? Today, we’re diving into how policy decisions impact the beekeeping industry, both here in Wisconsin and across the country. Joining us is James Hillemeyer, vice president of the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association and co-owner of LB Works out of Plover, a beekeeping operation that travels out of state for pollination services. James has a national perspective on what’s happening in the industry, having served with both the American Beekeeping Federation and the American Honey Producers Association. He’s passionate about making sure when a label says “honey,” it really means honey. James also tells Mid-West Farm Report about other national policy directives, including progress made with the H-2A visa program and countries of origin. He also explains the push for research dollars to find solutions for pressures on beekeepers, including varroa mites.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's Ag Tribes Report, Vance Crowe is joined by entrepreneur, farmer, and Iowa Corn Growers director Elliot Henderson for a fast-moving breakdown of four big stories shaping agriculture. They react to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins' media blitz and her tightly messaged take on trade, cattle, and screw worm—praising her talent while questioning how much of it reflects independent ag thinking. They unpack California's Prop 50 and what partisan redistricting could mean for rural voices in the nation's top ag state. They also look at the viral Danish claims linking cow deaths to the mandatory Bovear methane-reducing additive and the broader US–EU cultural and monetary incentives behind climate policy. Rounding out the news, they examine NYC's push for city-run grocery stores, the economic fear driving urban support, and the parallels Elliot sees for ag if subsidies and policy continue to distort markets. Then they run the Bitcoin Land Price Report (with land softening to ~$12.5K/acre in NE Iowa) and debate Bitcoin vs. land as a store of value. In the Peter Thiel Paradox, Elliot challenges ag's reliance on transfer payments, H-2A tweaks, and policies that wall off opportunity for new entrants—arguing for reform even when beneficiaries resist. For Worthy Adversary, he respects but disputes commentator Damian Mason's stance on property tax and policy incentives, warning that today's preferential treatments risk entrenching an aristocracy over working producers. They close with how to get involved in Iowa Corn, an invite to check out Elliot's Rush Hour Ag podcast, and a reminder to rate and review the show—plus a quick note on why Vance Crowe would trade Bitcoin for land when the numbers make sense.To support the show and buy Bitcoin use the link: https://river.com/invite?r=OAB5SKTP

This week's agriculture news covers everything from trade and tariffs to farmer sentiment and land values. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on the legality of tariffs imposed on nearly every U.S. trading partner during President Trump's administration. Meanwhile, updates continue on the China and U.S. trade deal and what it could mean for soybean growers. Despite the ongoing government shutdown, the U.S. Labor Department confirmed its Office of Foreign Labor Certification will resume processing H-2A agricultural labor applications. A new national coalition, Grow It Here, has also launched to spotlight the nation's farm labor shortage. Plus, we break down the latest farmer sentiment from the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer and the Rural Mainstreet Index. This week's interview features David Whitaker, auctioneer and real estate broker with Whitaker Marketing Group. He shares insight on late 2025 land values, generational buying and selling trends and how more land is making its way onto the market. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

The National Potato Council is not pleased with the U.S.-Japan trade agreement reached last week, and the Department of Labor's updated shutdown plan confirms the processing of H-2A temporary labor applications will resume.

Georgia's farmers don't need data to know the weather has been dry recently, but the recent Drought Monitor report confirmed as much, and the Department of Labor's updated shutdown plan confirms the processing of H-2A temporary labor applications will resume.

The National Potato Council is not pleased with the U.S.-Japan trade agreement reached last week, and the Department of Labor's updated shutdown plan confirms the processing of H-2A temporary labor applications will resume.

American farms are in crisis. The federal government shutdown froze H-2A visa processing right when farmers need to prepare for planting season. At the same time, major changes to how farm worker wages are calculated are making everything more complicated.Immigration Nerds host Lauren Clarke talks with immigration attorney and agricultural labor expert L.J. D'Arrigo about what's happening to the farms that grow our food. As immigration enforcement ramps up and legal pathways get more complex, find out what's really at stake for American agriculture and the workers who feed our nation.GUEST: L.J. D'Arrigo, Partner, Harris Beach MurthaHOST: Lauren ClarkeNEWS NERD: Rob TaylorPRODUCER: Adam BelmarResource Links:Bloomberg: Agricultural Employers Rack Up Seasonal Worker Wins Under Trump: https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/agricultural-employers-rack-up-seasonal-worker-wins-under-trumpUSCIS: H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers

*The U.S. is not ready to open the Mexican border for livestock imports.   *The U.S. Department of Labor is bringing employees back to work to process H2A guest worker program visas.  *The American Sheep Industry Association is asking for an investigation into lamb imports. *There are a couple of different growing seasons happening in the Texas panhandle.  *Texas farmers and ranchers are addressing issues important to agriculture.  *USDA is working to improve compensation for ranchers who are affected by predators.  *CEU programs are important for Texas farmers.  *Trace minerals are commonly deficient in beef cattle. 

In this episode of the Epigenetics Podcast, we talked with Vincent Pasque from KU Leuven about his work on the reprogramming of cell identity through epigenetic mechanisms, particularly during early development and cellular reprogramming. We begin by tracing Vincent's journey into biology, sparked by early childhood experiences in nature and meaningful encounters with inspiring teachers. His fascination with the complexities of biology crystallized during a pivotal moment while listening to a radio segment on epigenetics in the late '90s, which led him to pursue studies in genetics and biochemistry. This formative path brought him to leading institutions, including the prestigious lab of John Gurdon, where he explored the phenomenon of nuclear reprogramming. Vincent recounts his early experiments that led to the discovery of macro H2A as a barrier to reprogramming, emphasizing the core challenge of erasing somatic cell identity. As the conversation unfolds, Vincent introduces us to critical findings from his research. He shares how the inactive X chromosome serves as a compelling model to investigate epigenetic regulation, revealing that the dynamics of reprogramming and differentiation are far from simple reversals of development. He highlights the significant differences between male and female iPSCs and how X-linked genes influence DNA methylation and differentiation rates in these cells. The implications of these findings extend beyond developmental biology to inform our understanding of diseases, particularly cancer. Transitioning to his current work, Vincent describes pioneering advances in characterizing the chromatin-associated proteome during the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells. The surprising discovery of elevated histone modifications in naïve cells leads to intriguing questions about the barriers to cellular plasticity and the mechanisms by which cells resist alternative fate conversions. The potential applications of this research could reshape our approach to regenerative medicine and therapeutic interventions. References Pasque V, Gillich A, Garrett N, Gurdon JB. Histone variant macroH2A confers resistance to nuclear reprogramming. The EMBO Journal. 2011 May;30(12):2373-2387. DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2011.144. PMID: 21552206; PMCID: PMC3116279. Jullien, J., Miyamoto, K., Pasque, V., Allen, G. E., Bradshaw, C. R., Garrett, N. J., Halley-Stott, R. P., Kimura, H., Ohsumi, K., & Gurdon, J. B. (2014). Hierarchical Molecular Events Driven by Oocyte-Specific Factors Lead to Rapid and Extensive Reprogramming. Molecular Cell, 55(4), 524–536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcel.2014.06.024 Pasque V, Tchieu J, Karnik R, et al. X chromosome reactivation dynamics reveal stages of reprogramming to pluripotency. Cell. 2014 Dec;159(7):1681-1697. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2014.11.040. PMID: 25525883; PMCID: PMC4282187. Zijlmans DW, Talon I, Verhelst S, et al. Integrated multi-omics reveal polycomb repressive complex 2 restricts human trophoblast induction. Nature Cell Biology. 2022 Jun;24(6):858-871. DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00932-w. PMID: 35697783; PMCID: PMC9203278. Related Episodes The Discovery of Genomic Imprinting (Azim Surani) Gene Expression Control and Intricacies of X-chromosome Inactivation (Claire Rougeulle) Epigenetics and X-Inactivation (Edith Heard) Contact Epigenetics Podcast on Mastodon Epigenetics Podcast on Bluesky Dr. Stefan Dillinger on LinkedIn Active Motif on LinkedIn Active Motif on Bluesky Email: podcast@activemotif.com

Local contractors say they have enough local labor to detassel Nebraska's seed corn but they're losing work to migrant workers on H-2A visas. A 2024 Nebraska law attempted to increase transparency in detasseling labor practices.

What we're hearing across all sectors of agriculture is that having a reliable workforce remains a number one challenge today. Karen Gefvert, chief policy officer for Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and Voice of Milk, says it’s an issue the organization is deeply engaged in. In talking with Stephanie Hoff, Gefvert notes that this has been a 40-year battle. She says the current system doesn't work for dairy. Dairy farmers need an entry-level workforce. The only program that can address that is H2A, but dairy is prohibited from using it.Not much moisture in the latest forecast from Stu Muck. Temperatures remain on track for the last few days of October. Muck also notes a statewide FFA Foundation Auction that's happening now.Knowing a company's origins and roots can help explain how they do business. Pam Jahnke talks with Ashley Huhn about how the Steffes Group actually got started, and why they take pride in creating their own systems not just relying on third party services to handle business. Paid for by Steffes Group.Wisconsin dairy farmer, John Rosenow, has been a vocal proponent of immigration reform for decades. His dairy operation in the Waumandee Valley of western Wisconsin relies heavily on immigrant labor. Rosenow has joined a newly formed coalition called "Grow It Here" that's trying to advance meaningful immigration reform for agriculture. Rosenow says of his 18 full-time workers, 13 are from Mexico. Today's H2A visas don't work for dairy.The market's feeling more optimistic today after a weekend full of trade announcements out of SE Asia. John Heinberg, market advisor with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend tells Pam Jahnke that it's good news for corn, soybean meal, pork and beef. There's also still a buzz about potential trade developments with China. Still the gorilla in the room according to Heinberg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers are looking forward to recent changes the Department of Labor made to the Adverse Effect Wage Rate and how it could impact their finances. So, any questions?

Today Ryan has Sarah Taber, a small farmer and proprietor of the Farm to Taber YouTube channel, on to talk about just what is going on with American farming--the collapse in soybean exports, what farmers thought they would by voting for Trump, how he has made the H-2A visa program even more exploitative, why so many farmers are addicted to producing corn and soybeans, and more. Subscribe now to listen to the whole thing!

A membership meeting at Group Health Cooperative in Madison cheers a push for unionization with SEIU, Trump announces that some federal workers won't return after the government shutdown and American Federation of Government Employees members talk to Labor Radio about the White House onslaught against federal workers, as ICE deports farm workers the Trump administration says the answer to farm job loss is to lower the minimum wage paid to H2A visa holders and cut its housing subsidies, Wisconsin unions push for a bigger local worker stake in green infrastructure jobs, a Madison elder care resident talks to Labor Radio about the threat that immigration crackdowns will pose to elder care, Professor Tom Alter talks to Labor Radio about being fired by Texas State University and the support he is getting from his unions, and Madison will have a No Kings march supported by organized labor.

Wisconsin agriculture - agriculture and food production in general - doesn't work without workers. Wisconsin Congressman, Derrick Van Orden, has been spending time gathering stories that exemplify why foreign born workers remain a critical cog in getting things done. He says the message to him has been clear. Now Congress has to get things done when it comes to a legal system that farms and agribusinesses can work with to keep their operations functioning with foreign born laborers. Van Orden explains to Ben Jarboe the different options that he's proposing to revise existing H2A guidelines, and creating legal channels for employers to usher employees through the process. Van Orden's Agriculture Reform Act of 2025 holds some key elements to keeping food production in the U.S. moving. It'll be cloudy, with some rain - but nothing real measurable. That's the word from Stu Muck. Friday could potentially bring a little heavier rain to the state's farm fields. It's not just Wisconsin farmers that are in the midst of harvesting. Plenty of garden produce is being used and shared in neighborhoods these days. What are your plans for the rest? Kiley Allan provides a few tips for canning and freezing courtesy of Heather Quackenboss, UW-Extension Educator in LaCrosse County. Farmers for Free Trade brought its motorcade to Westby Wisconsin on Wednesday. Brian Kuehl, executive director of FFFT says they're planning to cover over 2500 miles on their journey from Nebraska to Washington, D.C. They're gathering farmers stories about what the international marketplace means to their farming operations and their futures. Strategies are critical right now for Wisconsin dairy operators. They're looking at a bleak picture for milk prices in 2026 as global production grows and product prices slip. Katie Burgess, dairy analyst with EverAg say using new insurance tools to protect the valuable dairy beef revenue is a critical component for next year that should be activated today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Part 1:We talk with Whitney Curry Wimbish, staff writer for The American Prospect.We discuss the growth of cypto investments in real estate. Small amounts allow individuals to participate in this market. There are no regulations for this type of investment, and the SEC, under Paul Atkins, is not exmining the 'hype' around these schemes. Growth in these financial instruments is expected to accelearte. Part 2:We talk with David Bacon, who writes about farm workers in the US.Changes instituted by Trump have cut the wages for H2A farm workers, and, for domestic farm workers by one third. This includes not only the wages themselves, but the costs previously shouldered by the growers. Growers now have lower costs, and will likely profit even more. 

This week's agriculture news highlights the ongoing impacts of the federal government shutdown, positive updates in state ag policy, and conversations within the dairy industry. Agriculture headlines this week include the suspension of USDA reports due to the government shutdown, California's official approval of E15 fuel sales, updates on national biofuel plans and soybean tariffs, and how low Mississippi River levels could influence crop pricing. We also cover the latest CME/Purdue University Ag Economy Barometer results on farmer sentiment, a lawsuit moving forward that challenges USDA's electronic identification (EID) tag requirements, the new wage rate rule for the H-2A program now in effect and celebrations for both National Co-op Month and National Farmer's Day! Today's first interview is with Elizabeth De Vries-Dykstra and Bram DeVries of 4-D Ag Fashion and World discussing the state of the dairy industry and why high-visibility (HI-VES) workwear is becoming increasingly important for farms and insurance purposes. They also share insight into whether farmers are still investing in equipment and facility upgrades Another conversation on today's episode is with Suzanne Fanning, Chief Marketing Officer for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. She highlights the state's checkoff latest campaign, aiming to strengthen the connection between consumers, farmers and the people behind dairy products. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

Clinton Griffiths hosts AgDay: 200 farm groups send President Trump a letter asking for help, explaining the new H-2A wage rule, a grocer in California partners with a farm to create a corn maze and fighting with the perfect Halloween pumpkin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labor has been an ever-growing need in the agriculture industry in recent years, and the H2A program has been through some turmoil with making sure foreign workers can stay. This led to Congressman Derrick Van Orden introducing the Agriculture Reform Act of 2025. The Representative says that this new act would allow these workers to continue working given that they go back to their home countries and enter legally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ag employers took a big sigh of relief last week after the Department of Labor revised the methodology for determining the H-2A program's Adverse Effect Wage Rate.

*The cotton jassid is a threat to the Texas cotton industry.  *U.S. and Canadian officials are preparing for the first review of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement.  *International trade is very important to the U.S. sorghum industry. *Farmers are looking for the best marketing opportunities in a time of low prices.  *This has been a challenging pecan harvest in Texas.  *The Department of Labor is proposing changes to the H2A guest worker program.  *Fall has finally arrived in South Texas.  *It's important to use the proper technique when using drenches to deworm cattle.  

Music legends gather for 40th anniversary Farm Aid concert. Changes may be coming to H-2A. R.D. Offutt holds potato dig days. A rancher and her niece team up to raise a unique breed of sheep.

En 2018, cientos de trabajadores de México con visas de trabajo H-2A, que sirven para traer a trabajadores agrícolas a los campos de los Estados Unidos, subieron a autobuses con destino a las granjas de las zonas rurales de Georgia. Muchos de estos trabajadores cayeron en una trampa que, años después, se convertiría en parte de una de las operaciones de tráfico más grandes en el país. Más detalles en nuestra conversación a continuación.

Farm margins are tight and the headlines aren't lying—tariffs, fertilizer and machinery costs, and labor constraints are hitting producers. Jackson Takach (Farmer Mac) breaks down what's signal vs. noise. What we cover: Tariffs 101: Section 301 (unfair trade), 232 (national security), and IEEPA actions (the biggest bucket and under legal challenge). Why these hit steel/aluminum and fertilizer components—and how that flows to implement and input prices. Costs that pay back vs. pure drag: seed tech and risk-reduction can be worth it; fertilizer, machinery and labor are harder to offset—2026 looks tighter than 2025. Adaptation that actually helps: proven tech + regenerative practices to reduce input reliance. Bankruptcies: Chapter 12 filings are up in Arkansas and Nebraska—rising from 2023–24 lows back toward 2018–20 levels. Regional stress drivers: soy/rice/cotton marketing pain and flooding in AR; feedlot squeeze and weaker soy export pull in NE. Policy + relief: ongoing US–China trade talks; ~$15–20B of prior-year USDA aid still to deploy; Farm Bill politics and PLC “facelift” dynamics. Opportunities: growing global protein demand, renewable diesel/SAF, and more U.S. soybean crush capacity. Labor & immigration: H‑2A works for seasonal crops; year‑round gaps push automation. AI's real role: better data sense‑making and lending workflows—not replacing credit decisions. Land values: Midwest stabilizing/slipping, Southeast firming, West = water‑dependent. Introducing the Farmland Price Index (Farmer Mac × AcreValue) built on transactions, not surveys. Farmer Mac https://www.farmermac.com/   The Feed - Farmland Price Index (By Farmer Mac) https://farmermac.com/thefeed/q2-2025-farmland-price-index-update/   National Land Realty https://www.nationalland.com 

American agriculture relies on foreign workers, and they rely on the H-2A visa program to work legally in the United States. Despite a growing number of people applying for visa spots, the Trump administration has proposed cutting the division of the Department of Labor that enforces H-2A rules, leaving workers to choose between being vulnerable to ICE or to exploitation.  Guest: Max Blau, ProPublica reporter covering health care, the environment, agriculture and immigration. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

American agriculture relies on foreign workers, and they rely on the H-2A visa program to work legally in the United States. Despite a growing number of people applying for visa spots, the Trump administration has proposed cutting the division of the Department of Labor that enforces H-2A rules, leaving workers to choose between being vulnerable to ICE or to exploitation.  Guest: Max Blau, ProPublica reporter covering health care, the environment, agriculture and immigration. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

American agriculture relies on foreign workers, and they rely on the H-2A visa program to work legally in the United States. Despite a growing number of people applying for visa spots, the Trump administration has proposed cutting the division of the Department of Labor that enforces H-2A rules, leaving workers to choose between being vulnerable to ICE or to exploitation.  Guest: Max Blau, ProPublica reporter covering health care, the environment, agriculture and immigration. Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Todd Miller of Head Honchos talks with Tyrell Marchant about H-2A programs and Abby George joins Joe Paschal, Texas A&M University, to discuss New World Screwworm and if it's ‘if it comes', or ‘when it comes'. The podcast team chats about beef prices and the best western movie actors.

After years of debate, Enrique Gastelum, CEO at the Worker and Farmer Labor Association, says the time has come for a better understanding of the H-2A visa program.

In this week's Ag Tribes Report, Vance is joined by Missouri farmer and former Missouri Farm Bureau president Blake Hurst. They cover John Deere's latest layoffs amid a tough farm economy and what this downcycle means for equipment buyers, the Trump team's floated idea to fund farm aid with tariff revenues (and Blake's sharp critique of running money “in a circle”), and USDA's push to expand U.S. ethanol exports to the UK, including a frank debate about mandates, price impacts at the pump, and ethanol as a strategic grain reserve. We also examine concerns from Alberta about immigrant wage subsidies crowding out youth jobs and how labor realities are playing out on U.S. farms, including Blake's experience with the H-2A program. In the Bitcoin Land Price Report, they discuss volatility versus real assets, stablecoins for cross-border payments, and why instant, low-cost settlement could threaten credit card rails. We close with Blake's Peter Thiel paradox—why losing some acres to other uses might actually help farmers by tightening supplies—and his broadside against protectionist trade instincts within agriculture. Plus, where to follow Blake's writing and what's coming up next on the road in Manhattan, Kansas for the Flinchbaugh Forum.Legacy Interviews - A service that records individuals and couples telling their life stories so that future generations can know their family history. https://www.legacyinterviews.com/experienceRiver.com - Invest in Bitcoin with Confidence https://river.com/signup?r=OAB5SKTP

Enrique Gastelum, CEO at WAFLA, the Worker and Farmer Labor Association, says there are three big challenges that need addressed, and the first is the skyrocketing Adverse Effect Wage Rate.

This week's agriculture news highlights policy developments as Congress returns to session, including updates on labor, environmental regulations and water policy. We also bring insights from Bayer Crop Science on the future of short corn. A federal district court in Louisiana recently vacated part of the 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate Rule, specifically the H-2A disaggregation provision. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency has withdrawn proposed revisions to wastewater regulations for meat and poultry processors. Looking ahead, the Trump administration is preparing to propose a new Clean Water Act rule in the coming weeks. Additional reports point to a projected increase in U.S. net farm income in 2025, along with new insights on ag export trends. A conversation on the future of short corn, in addition to what it provides to growers, is this week's interview with two voices from Bayer Crop Science: NA Technical Product Lead for Preceon™ Devin Hammer and Digital Enablement Product Lead Andy Folta. They share how shorter, thicker stalks benefit the plant, the length of time Bayer has been testing the Preceon™ Smart Corn System, and how short corn can also be utilized for silage. This discussion took place at the recent Farm Progress Show with Ag News Daily Co-Host Tanner Winterhof. Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos! ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW IRM, WHERE APPLICABLE, GRAIN MARKETING AND ALL OTHER STEWARDSHIP PRACTICES AND PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. ©2025 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.

Today on the AgNet NewsHour, Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer hosted Don Cameron, President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, to discuss the many challenges and opportunities facing California farmers today. Cameron, who also manages his own farms in the Biola area, shared expert insights from both a policy and practical farming perspective. Labor Challenges in California Agriculture A central topic of conversation was labor in agriculture. Cameron emphasized the critical importance of a stable workforce for California's labor-intensive crops. He highlighted the need for programs like H2A, which allows temporary workers to enter the country legally, and stressed the benefits of providing long-term workers with some form of legalization so they can continue working without fear. Cameron noted that without reliable labor, food production in California—and by extension, the United States—would be significantly disrupted. Water Management and Sustainable Farming Water management was another major focus. Cameron discussed the need for sustainable groundwater practices, especially as regulations limit pumping in over drafted basins. He stressed that farmers must maximize the value of every drop of water, focusing on high-value crops and reducing overall usage. While ideal solutions such as new storage and water delivery systems may take decades, Cameron encouraged efficiency and strategic planning for the long-term sustainability of California agriculture. Automation and Agricultural Innovation To address labor challenges, Cameron's operations are embracing automation and innovation. He described experiments with mechanical and laser weeders and drone technology, highlighting the potential for these tools to improve efficiency and offset labor shortages. These investments, along with careful crop management, help farmers remain competitive in a challenging global market. Competing with Global Agriculture Cameron addressed how California farmers face challenges from cheaper imports from countries like Mexico and Brazil. While international labor costs are lower, California farms provide higher wages, better working conditions, and sustainable practices. Consumers supporting local produce, he said, is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Financial Pressures and Pest Management Cameron also addressed the financial pressures facing farmers, including low commodity prices, rising costs, abandoned farmland, and pest challenges such as rodents destroying orchards and drip systems. He encouraged small and young farmers to take advantage of programs through CDFA and NRCS to maintain stability and remain viable in a high-cost environment. California Agriculture: A National Treasure Overall, Cameron praised California agriculture as a national treasure, capable of producing over 400 crops efficiently and sustainably. His insights underscored the resilience, innovation, and careful planning required for the state's agricultural industry to thrive amid complex environmental, economic, and regulatory pressures. For more updates on California agriculture, visit AgNet West at AgNetWest.com and follow their podcast on your preferred platform.

American farms are facing an unprecedented workforce crisis as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programs for multiple countries terminate this August, threatening to remove an estimated 76,000 agricultural workers from the labor force. But what does this mean for food security, rural economies, and the future of legal farm labor?Immigration Nerds Host, Lauren Clarke, is joined by immigration attorney LJ D'Arrigo to reveal how farms following the law through H-2A visa programs face greater penalties than those operating in gray areas, creating a dangerous compliance paradox.D'Arrigo breaks down the "August 5th cliff" – the simultaneous termination of TPS designations for Nepal, Cameroon, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Haiti – and explains why states like Florida (357,000 TPS holders) and Texas (124,000) will be hit hardest. While the Department of Labor signals potential H-2A streamlining efforts, the reality is stark: many longtime farm workers with decades of loyalty to their employers face impossible choices between self-deportation or living in the shadows.From the human cost of breaking up farm families to the economic impact of losing trained workers, this episode explores practical solutions farms can implement now, the enforcement climate creating fear even among legal workers, and why seasonal agricultural visas may be the one area where immigration reform is actually possible. Essential listening for anyone navigating the intersection of immigration policy and America's food supply.GUEST: Leonard J D'Arrigo (LJ), Harris Beach Murtha PartnerHOST: Lauren Clarke, EIG Senior Managing AttorneyPRODUCER: Adam Belmar

In an oversupplied market with rising costs, being a winegrape grower is probably the hardest it has ever been. Natalie Collins, President of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, breaks down the cost of winegrape growing in CA, the challenges in the marketplace, and the policy dynamics in the US, CA, and EU that continue to exacerbate the challenges for CA's winegrape growers. Detailed Show Notes: CA Winegrape Growers - based in Sacramento, lobbies at the state and federal levelCA has ~5,900 winegrape growers and 550k planted acresKey cost drivers of winegrape growing#1 labor, ~45-50% of budget (30-45% CA interior, 45-65% CA coast); doubled in the last 10 years, driven by:High min wage ($16.50; most pay $18-30/hr) → increases take entire pay curve up, not just bottom2016 labor law change reducing hours before overtime pay → reduced farmworker take-home pay (OR provides an overtime tax credit to employers)#2 regulatory compliance (water, air, worker health, safety), ~10% budgetCal State SLO study on lettuce growers - compliance costs ~$1,600/acre (1,366% increase since 2006, 637% since 2022)#3 land - CA has some of the highest land prices in the US #4 crop protection/fertility toolsFarming costs ~$4k/acre Central Valley, $6-8k/acre Paso Robles, $8-10k/acre Sonoma, ~$10-17k/acre NapaGrape pricing not rising w/ input costs - Central Valley ~$500-600/ton, Central Coast ~$1-2k/tonBulk wine from Chile is cheap, and the US can't compete on priceThe annual CA Winegrape Crush Report shows pricing for all varieties by districtNo US federal support vs EUEU subsidizes at every level (growing, marketing, production)>e2B/year in direct and local support, enabling cheap wine productionCrisis distillation - buy surplus wine to convert to alcohol (e.g., hand sanitizer)Vineyard removal and vineyard planting subsidiesAggressive marketing support (France investing $5B to support wine exports to the US w/ new tariffs)US wines can have up to 25% foreign wine blended in and be labeled as US wine2023-2024 - CA left ~300k tons/year on the vines; 2025 ~50% of vineyards don't have a contract for the 2025 harvest; industry calling for another 50k acres to be removed (60k removed since 2022); all regions pulling out or mothballing/minimally farming vinesTariff impacts (May 2025)- input costs increase, but can be positive for CA winegrape growers2019 tariffs saw domestic wine increase its share by 10% vs EU winesCanada is actively removing US wines from shelves in retaliation; the US exports 10% of its wines, 40% to CanadaDeportations - creating fear, people are afraid to leave their homes for fear of their families getting separatedSeasonal labor is not big, 90% vineyards are mechanically harvested; H2A temporary workers (mostly from Mexico, all-in cost ~$30/hr, often more productive, cannot be paid more than domestic workers)Economic impact of CA wine - 422k CA employees / 1.1M across US, $73B CA economic impact / $175B/year USAll agriculture is struggling in CA, replacement crops for grapes not easy (some almonds, pistachios, cherries); costs ~$30-70k/acre to plant a vineyardDuty Drawback - a federal tax refund program meant to encourage exportsIf a winery exports wines, then imports them back, it gets 99% of import fees (including the Federal Excise Tax of $1.07/gallon) refundedIf importing ~$3/gallon bulk wine, can save ~30%Mostly used by the top 5 wine companies2024 - 38M gallons bulk imported (70M in 2022) vs ~70M gallons left on the vine in 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the interviewer becomes the guest? This week on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, the mic flips as Rodger Wasson, longtime advocate for farmers and host of the Farm to Table Talk Podcast, interviews our own Michael Kilpatrick. From behind-the-scenes systems to current hurdles, Rodger dives deep into the day-to-day of Michael's farm, business, and mindset as a leader in the regenerative agriculture space. Tune in for a rare peek into what's working (and what's not) at the Farm on Central farm and store — and why Michael remains committed to helping small farms succeed.   In This Episode, You'll Hear: Product overview – What the Farm on Central store offers and what's produced on the farm [2:57] Mushroom production – Does the team grow fungi on site? [8:19] Local sourcing – How much of their product lineup is grown at home vs. sourced [11:28] Marketing strategy – How they reach customers and spread the word [18:10] Current challenges – The biggest hurdles facing Michael and the team right now [28:30] Food access – Can SNAP/EBT be used on the farm? [32:32] Housing and labor – What the team structure looks like and if they use H2A housing [40:26] Small-acreage potential – Michael's outlook on what's possible with limited land [52:44] Don't miss this episode if you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a diversified, modern farm—from managing products and marketing to tackling regulation and building a resilient business model.   Michael Kilpatrick's Farm: