Ag Labor, Overtime Remains Top Priority For Oregon Republicans

When rising input costs are discussed, Ag labor is always one of the top, if not the top issue for farmers and growers.

Oregon state Representative Shelly Boshart Davis said while there are no pieces of legislation set to address the issue specifically in 2026, she will watch for anything that can impact the farm workforce.

“I do know that when we have conversations with our Democrat colleagues, we consistently bring up Ag overtime and labor in general," Boshart Davis said.  "That is going to be the priority, top layer of priorities for all of us. And while there's no specific bill, there is conversations regarding the tax credit and making sure that that remains intact and may be increased or may be elongated for longer years.”

Farmers Struggle With the Current State Tax Credit

The Albany-area farmer stressed when it comes to the current tax credit, "even though we have it, it is onerous, it is cumbersome, it is difficult and to be able to apply, work with the Department of Revenue and figure that out and there's only a month window. So, for example, if you're listening to this today, that window is already closed. And so it basically opens up on January 1 and closes on January 31st.”

Boshart Davis added some fixes the GOP has proposed include extending the tax credit window and making the process easier.

Many Questions Remain Before Meaningful Changes Can Be Discussed

She said while some farmers have expressed a desire to increase the hours before overtime kicks in to 48 or 50 per week, she said that’s not going to happen right now.

She pointed out that the state is set to receive reports this November on how Ag Overtime has impacted the state’s farming community, and no decisions will be made until that time.

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