Podcasts about h2a

The DOJ is intensifying its investigation into possible antitrust violations in the beef packing industry, and a federal judge in California has denied a request by the United Farm Workers to temporarily block the Trump administration's revised wage rule for H-2A workers.

Ag-employers have been calling for changes to the H-2A foreign guestworker visa program for years, with few results.

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a major freight broker navigating a brutally tough first quarter but projecting a significant turnaround ahead. RXO released its earnings Thursday morning, reporting a first-quarter adjusted EBITDA of just six million dollars, down sharply from twenty-two million dollars a year earlier. Despite compressed margins, the company aggressively shifted its strategy by increasing its spot mix to thirty-three percent of volume, helping produce what RXO described as the largest sequential increase in gross profit per load in more than three years. Looking ahead, the broker is forecasting a much stronger second quarter with adjusted EBITDA expected to land between twenty-seven million dollars and thirty-seven million dollars. Next, we explore the trade sector where billions of dollars in tariff refunds are finally beginning to flow through a newly launched federal portal. U.S. Customs and Border Protection rolled out its Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries tool, known as CAPE, on April twentieth within the Automated Commercial Environment portal. The digital platform is processing claims far more efficiently than anticipated, with refunds potentially arriving in early May. However, a massive readiness gap is emerging, as CBP estimates roughly forty-six billion dollars in refunds is currently stalled for importers that have not completed ACH refund authorization or established proper portal access. Finally, we cover a controversial regulation governing commercial driver's licenses as a federal court denied a request to block the rule for non-domiciled drivers on Tuesday. A three-judge panel in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia denied a motion seeking to stay enforcement of FMCSA's rule, which became effective March sixteenth and specifies that non-domiciled CDLs are available only to H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 visa holders, excluding asylum seekers, asylees, DACA recipients, refugees, and people with temporary protected status. While the stay was denied, the combined cases will move forward with petitioners' briefs due June fifteenth and oral arguments expected in September. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation with Shelby Watson Hampton, the first Maryland and first vineyard guest, describes her family's five-acre estate vineyard and on-farm winery (six grape varieties; planted 2014; winery opened 2017) where they grow, harvest, process, bottle, and sell wine, plus a wedding barn converted from horse stables. Her husband manages the vineyard and works for the county soil conservation district; they have a four-year-old son and she is pregnant with their second child. Shelby explains vineyard labor, harvest timing, and staffing without H-2A, compares agritourism realities, and shares her family's farm evolution from tobacco and hogs (since 1955) to a tree nursery and early agritourism, then to the current business after her grandfather's death. She advises on succession planning, zoning/permitting for agritourism, recommends NAFDMA, discusses winery sales/shipping, wedding mishaps, her 2023 book “Grace, Grit, and Lipstick,” parenting challenges, and a recent loss of six pet chickens to a dog.We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a major freight broker navigating a brutally tough first quarter but projecting a significant turnaround ahead. RXO released its earnings Thursday morning, reporting a first-quarter adjusted EBITDA of just six million dollars, down sharply from twenty-two million dollars a year earlier. Despite compressed margins, the company aggressively shifted its strategy by increasing its spot mix to thirty-three percent of volume, helping produce what RXO described as the largest sequential increase in gross profit per load in more than three years. Looking ahead, the broker is forecasting a much stronger second quarter with adjusted EBITDA expected to land between twenty-seven million dollars and thirty-seven million dollars. Next, we explore the trade sector where billions of dollars in tariff refunds are finally beginning to flow through a newly launched federal portal. U.S. Customs and Border Protection rolled out its Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries tool, known as CAPE, on April twentieth within the Automated Commercial Environment portal. The digital platform is processing claims far more efficiently than anticipated, with refunds potentially arriving in early May. However, a massive readiness gap is emerging, as CBP estimates roughly forty-six billion dollars in refunds is currently stalled for importers that have not completed ACH refund authorization or established proper portal access. Finally, we cover a controversial regulation governing commercial driver's licenses as a federal court denied a request to block the rule for non-domiciled drivers on Tuesday. A three-judge panel in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia denied a motion seeking to stay enforcement of FMCSA's rule, which became effective March sixteenth and specifies that non-domiciled CDLs are available only to H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 visa holders, excluding asylum seekers, asylees, DACA recipients, refugees, and people with temporary protected status. While the stay was denied, the combined cases will move forward with petitioners' briefs due June fifteenth and oral arguments expected in September. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A major change to a federal farmworker visa program known as H-2A is sparking a heated debate across California. The program allows farms to bring in temporary workers from other countries, but a change from the Trump administration has altered how they are paid, sparking a lawsuit from the United Farmworkers Union. Supporters say it's a lifeline for farmers facing rising labor costs. Critics call it a wage cut that could push local workers out of the fields. Reporter: Madi Bolanos, The California Report A man who was shot multiple times by immigration agents last month in the Central California community of Patterson pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges. San Francisco Assemblymember Matt Haney is trying again to expand drug-free housing for people leaving homelessness, after Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar bill last year. A bill moving through the California legislature would require independent evaluations of new education programs, like transitional kindergarten. Reporter: Elly Yu, LAist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Board-Certified Truck Accident Attorney David Craig breaks down Indiana's radical new trucking law where 1,800 commercial drivers just lost their licenses overnight.In this episode of Ask David, David discusses the sweeping changes under Indiana House Enrolled Act 1200, which took effect April 1st. The law emerged after four horrific crashes involving non-domiciled drivers. David explains how the trucking industry's claim of a "driver shortage" led to a massive increase from 316,000 to 720,000 non-domiciled drivers between 2000 and 2021.✔️ What non-domiciled drivers are ✔️ How visa requirements changed for H-2A, H-1B, and E-2 classifications✔️ English proficiency crackdowns✔️ Indiana's ban on foreign language CDL testing✔️ Federal CDL school closures and quality control issues✔️ Criminal penalties: Level 6 felony charges for violationsDavid Craig is one of the few attorneys in the U.S. who is Board-Certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and accredited by the American Bar Association. With 39+ years handling semi-truck wreck cases, he meets rigorous experience, ethics, and knowledge standards to hold trucking companies and unsafe drivers accountable.The four crashes that triggered this legislation represent real families who lost loved ones due to unqualified drivers on Indiana roads. The February Jay County crash alone claimed four lives when a non-domiciled driver with a bad record, working for a company with significant safety violations, caused a fatal wreck.

Emphasizing that certainty is an economic necessity, NCAE President and CEO John Hollay discusses the critical role of the H-2A program and why growers must press Congress for permanent legislative fixes rather than relying solely on regulatory shiftSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump kicks the can on the Iran ceasefire, and Iran answers by grabbing two more ships in the Strait of Hormuz while firing on a third. EIA prints a surprise crude draw — 1.9 million barrels pulled when the street was looking for a 2.2 million barrel build — and diesel is sitting at $5.511 at the pump with WTI riding $91–$92. Meanwhile the cattle board has printed five straight red days, June live at $242.875, even as cash holds $248 and boxed beef stays inverted with Select still a buck over Choice. On today's Friggin' Farm & Ranch Report for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, we walk through: • Why live cattle is correcting on paper while the country trade and the cutout refuse to blink. • What a 4.1 million barrel bullish swing in one EIA print means for your diesel contract and fertilizer bill. • How Superior Livestock just sold a record 57,077 head and why 750-pound steers at $408 and 500-pound calves at $552.50 do not look like a "market top" in the country. • The war reel out of Hormuz, what "operationally closed" really means when Iran controls 20% of global crude flow, and how many seized ships it takes to put WTI at $95–$100. • DTN's latest fertilizer board — anhydrous back over $1,000, urea up 34% month over month — plus why every major input on your balance sheet runs through somebody else's choke point. • Rural Americana: five stories that'll make you feel better about the next generation, and three gut punches from rural hospitals, drought, and school consolidation. • Policy and macro: Farm Bill clock, DOJ packer probe, HPAI in dairy, screwworm watch, USMCA review, Trump–Xi summit, H-2A wages, and why nobody is cutting your operating note rate anytime soon. Tone calls to close it out: • Cattle board — bearish near term, oversold and due a snap-back if cash holds. • Cash cattle — firm. • Cutout — bullish, with broad-based beef demand. • Corn — bullish bias. Beans — neutral. Wheat — bullish on KC drought. • Crude and diesel — bullish, lock in if you haven't. • Gold and silver — bullish, fear trade and industrial bid both on. Lock your diesel, watch packer bids like a hawk, track the ship count in Hormuz — and remember, it's a "don't screw up" market, not a "get rich" market. Move your ass, we're burnin' daylight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second segment of the fourth hour, Charlie James opened the phone lines to listeners who shared firsthand accounts of the illegal immigration crisis, including a Spartanburg driver's story of public indecency in a school zone and a farmer's perspective on the "modern-day slavery" of the H-2A visa system. The segment also revisited the Strait of Hormuz breakthrough, with a caller questioning the sudden reopening and James explaining how Lloyd's of London and maritime insurance premiums played a pivotal role in the standoff.

Haley Bickelhaupt hosts AgDay: USDA releases its Prospective Planting report for 2025. See how many acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton surveyors say farmers will be planting this year. Plus, what producers could be seeing when it comes to dealing with H-2A paperwork.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WAFLA CEO, Enrique Gastelum says the AEWR is not the H-2A program's only problem that needs to be addressed.

The AgNet News Hour continued its in-depth conversation with Nisei Farmers League President Manuel Cunha, focusing on one of agriculture's most pressing issues: labor, immigration, and the future of the workforce heading into the 2026 growing season. Cunha highlighted the proposed Dignity Act as a major step toward addressing long-standing labor challenges across agriculture and other industries. The legislation aims to provide legal work authorization for millions of undocumented workers who have been in the U.S. for years, many of whom are already deeply embedded in agricultural operations. “This bill would take care of around 8.7 to 10 million immigrants… hardworking people that have been here 20 to 30 years,” Cunha said. “It's time to give them the dignity they deserve.” Under the proposal, qualifying workers would receive renewable work authorization, allowing them to continue contributing without fear of deportation. Cunha emphasized that many of these individuals played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping maintain the nation's food supply during uncertain times. The discussion also addressed the broader structure of immigration reform. Cunha outlined what he sees as a three-part approach: removing criminal offenders, providing stability for long-term workers, and developing functional guest worker programs tailored to industry needs. “Any criminal… they need to be gone,” Cunha said. “But the person that is here working, paying taxes, part of the community—those are the ones that deserve work authorization.” He also stressed the importance of modernizing visa programs, noting that current systems like H-2A and H-2B are not sufficient to meet the demands of agriculture and other labor-intensive industries. “We need five or six different visa programs that fit industries,” he explained. Despite ongoing debate, Cunha pointed out that labor conditions in agriculture have improved significantly over the decades. At the same time, growers continue to face mounting challenges, including regulatory pressure, high costs, and water limitations—particularly in California, where reduced water allocations have impacted production and workforce dynamics. Interestingly, Cunha noted that current labor availability appears relatively stable heading into the season, partly due to reduced acreage on the West Side from water restrictions. “Right now, the labor market looks good,” he said, adding that workforce numbers have slightly increased in some areas. Beyond federal policy, Cunha also underscored the importance of state leadership. With California's upcoming gubernatorial election, he called the moment “extremely important” for agriculture and rural communities, citing concerns over regulatory overreach and rising costs. Ultimately, Cunha urged unity across agriculture, encouraging farmers, communities, and policymakers to work together toward practical solutions. “We all need to work together and protect each other,” he said.

A bill by Washington Democrat Pramila Jayapal has been introduced into the House of Representatives that could make the H-2A visa program more challenging.

El gobierno Trump impulsa una polémica reforma para las visas H-2A después de que la zona oeste del país se ha quedado sin trabajadores agrícolas debido a las redadas migratorias.  En otras noticias: Millones de personas en Estados Unidos en el medio oeste y el este del país están bajo alerta por el mal tiempo. Una mega tormenta invernal está causando estragos con nieve, vientos y tornados.  Mientras tanto el oeste del país enfrenta una fuerte ola de calor con temperaturas récord.  El viceprimer ministro de Cuba informó que los cubanos que viven en Miami y otros lugares podrán invertir y ser dueños de negocios en la isla, sin embargo la propuesta no ha caído bien. El presidente Trump arremetió contra el Reino Unido y países aliados que no se han unido a los esfuerzos para asegurar el estrecho de Ormuz. Mientras tanto Israel comenzó una incursión terrestre en Líbano.

Despite the claims by some that H-2A foreign guestworkers are taking jobs from American workers, the numbers don't back them up.

When it comes down to the biggest ag labor challenges facing farmers today, top of the list is probably reforming the prevailing wage system within the H-2A program.

In this bonus episode of the Growing for Market Podcast, we hear from long-time GFM writer, farmer and Minneapolis resident Sam Oschwald Tilton about how immigration enforcement is playing out in Minneapolis. In an industry with an estimated 40% of workers undocumented, the way immigration laws are enforced probably has a bigger impact on farming than any other industry. Many farmworkers with legal status- for example those on H-2A, refugee, asylum or H-2B visas- have been detained in the current immigration enforcement.  The fact that even documented workers are being detained is disrupting both farms and families as workers wonder if their documentation can be relied upon and farm employers wonder if their employees will show up for work. We connected two articles from Growing for Market Magazine about the H-2A visa process below as both a resource for farmers and an example for how the expansion of the guestworker program could provide a framework for foreign-born workers to legally meet the demand for farmworkers in the United States.  Related articles: Article: Demystifying the H-2A program from Growing for Market Magazine Article: Navigating the H-2A guestworker visa program from Growing for Market Magazine

Despite the claims by some that H-2A foreign guestworkers are taking jobs from American workers, the numbers don't back them up.

*How important are dairy-on-beef calves to the Texas feedlot industry?*Farmer sentiment fell in January.*We could be in the early stages of cow herd rebuilding in Texas.*The cattle industry has come together in Nashville this week for CattleCon26. *What are the fundamentals for converting cropland to grassland in the Texas High Plains?*Use of the H2A guestworker program is growing in Texas and the U.S.*Transporting cattle is a necessity, but can be stressful. Texas veterinarian Dr. Bob Judd offers tips to make it a little easier.

Recorded live at Potato Expo 2026 in Dallas, Texas.Host Lane Nordlund sits down with some of the nation's leading agriculture advocates to examine the state of agricultural labor in the U.S. and discuss the pressing need for a stable and secure workforce.The panel explores efforts by the Agriculture Workforce Coalition to drive legislative and regulatory reforms. They address the complex intersection of border security, legal status for the existing workforce, and necessary updates to the H-2A guest worker program. The group also outlines current regulatory hurdles and how potato growers can engage with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to amplify the industry's voice.Guests:Jonathan Sarager, Senior Federal Government Affairs Director, Western Growers  John Walt Boatright, Director, Government Affairs, American Farm Bureau Federation Mike Wenkel, COO, National Potato Council 

The H2A program has been around for many years helping to make sure farmers have a way to get seasonal labor, but it is a lengthy process to get started. Emily Klingbeil, the Manager of Marketing and Client Relations for Great Lakes Ag Labor, gives a look into how they help farmers navigate the process and updates that have recently taken place to the program. One of the updates is the change in how the workers are paid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Wisconsin farms and agribusinesses are caught between a rock and a hard spot managing their labor needs. With increased presence of immigration officials in the Twin Cities, more farms are asking questions about how to protect their employees. Sam Moheban, Immigration specialist with Wausau firm, Ruder Ware. Pam Jahnke visits with him about the unique challenges dairy farms face managing employees. He says he’s keeping an eye on any legislative or policy changes at the federal level that might give farms, especially dairies, a clear path to managing the workforce. Unfortunately, Moheban says right now farms must work with either the H2A or H2B programs – neither of which allow for foreign born workers to be in the country year round. Of course dairy farms require employees taking care of animals and milking cows year round – and that’s the rub. He advises farms to double check their 1-9 documentation for all employees, and post "private property" signs, perhaps with barriers, to keep agents from entering property without notice. Moheban says farms should create a system and protocols on how to deal with officials if that visit occurs. He also says communicating with employees about what’s being done to protect them is a critical piece of the plan to make sure that employees are showing up for work every day. Get outdoor tasks done today if you can, because there's a drastic weather change on the horizon for tomorrow. Stu Muck says sub-zero temperatures will make being outdoors Friday and into Saturday dangerous. Weather didn't stop more than 300 farmers from across the state from gathering for Ag Day at the Capitol. Stephanie Hoff was there and says the theme was about bringing stability to farming. Topics included expanding affordable health care, improved market access, bringing more ag professionals into the state like veterinarians and tax credits for domestically produced fuels. Jason Mugnaini, executive director for the WI Farm Bureau, explains why each is critical for stability. Dairy has seen a glimmer of good news over the past few days. Mike North, dairy analyst with EverAg, joins Pam Jahnke to discuss what's driving the increase in prices for block cheese and butter. North questions whether this is true demand, or just a short-term blip on the trade screen. Meanwhile the European Union milk production keeps rolling on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The animal agriculture industry’s nightmares are our fuel this week as Mariann dives into the poultry sector’s desperate scramble to combat the mysterious avian metapneumovirus that’s dethroned bird flu as their top concern. Meanwhile, Big Ag’s dystopian push to expand the H-2A visa program threatens to create a permanent underclass of “temporarily permanent” workers with virtually no rights—because nothing says “ethical…

​​Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Duane Simpson, CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, for a wide-ranging and timely conversation on leadership, policy, and navigating uncertainty in agribusiness.Duane brings a rare perspective — blending decades of experience in government, global agribusiness, and cooperative leadership — to help leaders understand what's really happening behind the headlines in Washington, how policy decisions impact the farmer balance sheet, and why intentional leadership matters more now than ever.This episode isn't about politics for politics' sake. It's about clarity, resilience, and leading people well in a season of volatility.Key TakeawaysIntentional leadership is about designing moments, not just delivering messagesDuane defines intentionality as thinking deeply about what people should feel, know, and do after a leadership moment — whether that's a major announcement, a transition, or a difficult conversation. Leaders who ignore the emotional component leave impact on the table.The farmer balance sheet is under real pressureAcross agriculture, farmers are navigating rising costs, tight margins, and uncertainty. Duane explains that NCFC's work centers on two levers: lowering input costs and expanding markets — both critical to long-term farm viability.Policy details matter more than headlinesFrom tariffs to labor to the updated dietary guidelines, Duane breaks down how seemingly distant policy decisions directly affect domestic demand, production costs, and competitiveness for U.S. farmers. The nuance matters — and leaders need to understand it.Ag labor is one of the most pressing cost challengesLabor availability and affordability continue to strain producers, especially in specialty crops and dairy. Duane explains why existing systems like H-2A are imperfect — and why solutions must balance realism with economic sustainability.Technology won't replace people — but it will reshape rolesAI, automation, and software will elevate average performance faster, reduce friction, and shift how work gets done. The leaders who win will focus on adaptability, resilience, and redeploying people into higher-value roles — not eliminating them.Notable Quotes“Intentionality is thinking about what you want people to come away with — how they feel, what they know, and what they do next.” — Duane Simpson“The volatility and uncertainty are more damaging to the economy than any single tariff.” — Duane Simpson“Technology can't replace human connection — especially in agriculture.” — Duane Simpson“Intentional leadership matters more now because the noise is louder than it's ever been.” — Mark JewellAction StepsAudit how you communicate big moments with your team — are you designing the experience or just delivering information?Stay informed beyond headlines. Understand how policy details affect your operation.Plan for workforce transitions. Automation should elevate people, not disconnect them.Create space to think. Reading, walking, and reflection are leadership disciplines — not luxuries.Double down on human connection. In-person conversations still matter.Listen If...

2014年的12月3号，日本用H2A火箭，从种子岛宇宙中心发射了隼鸟2号。这家伙一开始要先进入环绕太阳的轨道，然后利用地球做一次引力弹弓加速。接下来就一头扎进深空，奔着3亿公里外就去了。等到隼鸟2号在太空里晃悠了三年半，终于在2018年的夏天来到了龙宫小行星跟前，等到清晰的照片传回了地面。整个团队的人呢心都凉了半截。这龙宫小行星怎么长得跟预料的完全不一样呢？科学家们根据遥感数据，给龙宫小行星描绘了个大致的轮廓。这家伙在宇宙里横竖也存在了几亿年，十几亿年了吧，有这么长的年头，天天被太阳光照，被太阳风吹，总该被磨平了吧，它表面应该覆盖着一层厚厚的像面粉一样细腻的碎屑土，对吧？但是仔细一看照片，这龙宫小行星表面密密麻麻的排列的全是大石头，有的像小汽车那么大，有的像一栋房子那么大，而且棱角分明，狰狞恐怖，就这个地表情况，你还想像蚊子叮一下，扎一管子土上来，那是不可能的。隼鸟2号探测器的肚子底下有一根长一米的采集管。太空里压根没有任何空气，你不可能像吸尘器一样，用抽气的方式把土吸上来。所以只能采用一种方法，就是当采集管撞到小天体表面的时候，就从管子里发射一颗小弹丸，把小行星表面上的土给崩起来。这一切都是在管子内部发生的事，那管子门一关，可不就采集了一把土吗？这些过程都是在一瞬间完成的，撞上去采集完，发动机一点火，探测器就可以弹起来离开小行星表面。这事不就圆满了吗？可现在弄的一地全是大石头，这事就麻烦了呀……

It's hardly a secret that American food companies rely heavily on undocumented immigrants for physical labor. Whether it's the laborers who tend livestock and cultivate crops or workers behind the scenes in meatpacking and other agricultural production plants, our food system is powered by a cheap, willing and, often, undocumented workforce. Yet, intensified immigration enforcement, such as ICE raids, has triggered labor shortages across the food system. And before you think something silly to yourself like “great more opportunity available for native-born workers now,” really consider how many unemployed U.S. citizens (living in a city) would move to a rural area, perform backbreaking work daily, and take an almost 40% percent pay cut (compared to the average nonfarm wage)? Most Americans understand that farm laborers aren't easy to replace. In fact, during the 2024 election cycle, 75% of registered voters believed undocumented immigrants mostly fill jobs US citizens don't want to do. Nevertheless, this isn't about offering amnesty to all undocumented immigrants, but I think our country needs commonsense immigration solutions…especially those focused on safeguarding critical industries that rely on migrant labor. And maybe it should begin with a clearer pathway for migrant farm workers to earn legal status…along with expanding access to the H-2A visa program for non-seasonal agricultural industries.

Host Radell Lewis breaks down the biggest political stories of the week on Purple Political Breakdown. Indiana's Republican Senate makes history by rejecting Trump's redistricting map 31-19, marking a major rebuke of mid-decade gerrymandering efforts. We cover the tragic Brown University shooting that claimed two students' lives and examine the administration's response. The Epstein files have been releasedwhat's in them and what's been redacted? Plus, the TikTok-Oracle deal explained: who really benefits from ByteDance's new US joint venture? Radell dives deep into work visas, debunking myths about H-1B, H-2A, and H-2B programs with facts and data on how immigrants actually impact American jobs and the economy. We also discuss Amnesty International's disturbing report on immigration detention conditions, Kamala Harris's potential 2028 run, and the $901 billion NDAA. Political solutions without political biassubscribe for weekly nonpartisan analysis.Tags: #EpsteinFiles #IndianaRedistricting #TrumpGerrymandering #H1BVisa #WorkVisas #Immigration #TikTokDeal #KamalaHarris2028 #NDAA #PurplePolitics #NonpartisanPodcastStandard Resource Links & RecommendationsThe following organizations and platforms represent valuable resources for balanced political discourse and democratic participation: PODCAST NETWORKALIVE Podcast Network - Check out the ALIVE Network where you can catch a lot of great podcasts like my own, led by amazing Black voices. Link: https://alivepodcastnetwork.com/ CONVERSATION PLATFORMSHeadOn - A platform for contentious yet productive conversations. It's a place for hosted and unguided conversations where you can grow a following and enhance your conversations with AI features. Link: https://app.headon.ai/Living Room Conversations - Building bridges through meaningful dialogue across political divides. Link: https://livingroomconversations.org/ UNITY MOVEMENTSUs United - A movement for unity that challenges Americans to step out of their bubbles and connect across differences. Take the Unity Pledge, join monthly "30 For US" conversation calls, wear purple (the color of unity), and participate in National Unity Day every second Saturday in December. Their programs include the Sheriff Unity Network and Unity Seats at sports events, proving that shared values are stronger than our differences. Link: https://www.us-united.org/ BALANCED NEWS & INFORMATIONOtherWeb - An AI-based platform that filters news without paywalls, clickbait, or junk, helping you access diverse, unbiased content. Link: https://otherweb.com/ VOTING REFORM & DEMOCRACYEqual Vote Coalition & STAR Voting - Advocating for voting methods that ensure every vote counts equally, eliminating wasted votes and strategic voting. Link: https://www.equal.vote/starFuture is Now Coalition (FiNC) - A grassroots movement working to restore democracy through transparency, accountability, and innovative technology while empowering citizens and transforming American political discourse. Link: https://futureis.org/ POLITICAL ENGAGEMENTIndependent Center - Resources for independent political thinking and civic engagement. Link: https://www.independentcenter.org/ GET DAILY NEWSText 844-406-INFO (844-406-4636) with code "purple" to receive quick, unbiased, factual news delivered to your phone every morning via Informed (https://informed.now) ALL LINKShttps://linktr.ee/purplepoliticalbreakdownThe Purple Political Breakdown is committed to fostering productive political dialogue that transcends partisan divides. We believe in the power of conversation, balanced information, and democratic participation to build a stronger society. Our mission: "Political solutions without political bias."Subscribe, rate, and share if you believe in purple politics - where we find common ground in the middle! Also if you want to be apart of the community and the conversation make sure to Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/ptPAsZtHC9

  Yuma, Arizona plays a critical role in feeding the United States, supplying much of the nation's leafy greens during the winter months. But farming at the border comes with unique challenges. In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Cory Mellon, Chief Operating Officer of his family's farm, to discuss the realities of agriculture in a border community. Cory explains how the H-2A visa program supports legal farm labor, why generational workers are essential to the industry, and what happens when that system breaks down. Cory also shares firsthand insight into the economic impact of nonworkers moving through active fields, the food-safety risks farmers face when fields are disrupted, and how a federal government shutdown delayed worker processing—threatening the harvest during a critical picking season. This conversation highlights the connection between secure borders, legal labor, and America's food supply, and why getting immigration policy right matters far beyond the border.

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/

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.

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.

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/

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!

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.

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!

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

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