Ag Industry Trends & Outlooks

Wildfire smoke darkened skies across the Northeast for at least three consecutive days this July. Orange clouds were evidence of fires raging thousands of miles away in Ontario, Canada and northern Minnesota. While the duration and impact of wildfires have historically been concentrated in the Western United States, the issue is becoming a more frequent concern on the east coast. What impact does sustained wildfire smoke have on agriculture in our region?

A new USCIS policy is opening the door for dairy producers to access the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program, a workforce option that has long been out of reach for year-round dairy operations. This month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner discusses how the updated guidance could help dairies address labor shortages, support seasonal workforce planning and navigate new petition requirements moving forward. Republished with permission courtesy of Harris Beach Murtha Attorneys at Law.

In this month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner, Attorney L.J. D’Arrigo looks at the H-2A temporary work visa program, and the reforms which have been proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service. The H-2A program allows foreign workers to legally come to the United States and work in temporary agricultural positions.