ag workers

President Trump, citing pressure from the agriculture and hospitality sectors, recently said farmworkers who are in the country illegally shouldn’t be deported and reiterated that the administration would be taking action on the issue.  ...

Just because Bird Flu hasn’t been in the headlines recently, doesn’t mean the virus is no longer a concern for the Northwest farming community.  And one of the more recent concerns for the health community is farm workers that have come down with HPAI, both at dairy and chicken farms.  Washington state Ve...

Often when farm labor shortages are discussed fruits and vegetables are some of the first commodities that come to mind.  But, the livestock sector is quick to point out they need workers as well, and they don’t have the benefit of the H-2A program.   “If we...

Just because new cases have not been reported, does not mean the threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has gone away.  Those words from Washington state Veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle who said the opportunity for exposure to bird flu will increase in the coming weeks as more and more migrating waterfowl cross the Northwest.   ...

“This bill is kind of a marker, it starts the discussion and I'm hoping that we can make some needed updates to it before final passage,” said Representative Dan Newhouse, after he and California’s Zoe Lofgren reintroduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act on Wednesday.  He said  reintroducing th...

A $14 million class action lawsuit has been filed against Lamb Weston, alleging the company did not provide meal or rest breaks.  Lamb Weston, which produces frozen potatoes and other foods, is accused of failing to provide 10-minute breaks, and half-hour lunches to its Washington workers.  The sui...

A recent economic analysis by Oregon State University shows the state’s new ag overtime rules will negatively impact farm profitability and result in decreased paychecks for workers.  When the idea requiring overtime pay in the farming industry was first floated, supporters said farm workers across the state would benefit from larger paychecks.  OSU economist...

Lost in the shuffle of tariffs, trade wars and hirings and firings, is the need for a fix for the Ag labor situation.  Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, said their sector is supportive of making needed improvements to the H-2A program, but said their ultimate goal is a visa.   “And t...

As growers across the Northwest prepare for the 2025 season, questions regarding immigration crackdowns linger.  Enrique Gastelum, Executive Director of WAFLA said while there have not been workplace targeted raids, that doesn't mean farm workers aren’t worried.  And when farm...

Washington state Representative Tom Dent said he’s disappointed that the chair of the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee will not hold a public hearing on House Bill 1597.  The Moses Lake Republican said his proposal would have allowed Ag employers to select 12 weeks a year to employ workers for up to 50-hours per week before overtime applies.  Dent said des...