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San Antonio Hosts Concerns Over Labor Shortages In Agriculture Industry

Insightful discussions on agricultural labor challenges during the convention.

News Summary

The American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio highlighted critical labor shortages affecting the U.S. agricultural sector. Experts discussed the challenges faced by farmers, including regulatory changes and the need for adaptation in a shifting workforce landscape. Leaders underscored the importance of preparing for new regulations, such as the Paid Sick Time Act, and the necessity for educational resources to navigate these complexities.

San Antonio Hosts Concerns Over Labor Shortages In Agriculture Industry

On January 28, 2025, the city of San Antonio, Texas became the center of significant discussions surrounding the agricultural labor market as the American Farm Bureau Convention convened. Farmers and agricultural leaders from across the nation gathered to talk about a pressing issue affecting the backbone of their industry – labor shortages.

Addressing Concerns from Michigan

The Michigan Farm Bureau president, Ben LaCross, took the stage to highlight these labor shortages and the challenges they pose for farms back at home. He pointed out that the available workforce has become less reliable and is causing major headaches for farmers trying to run their operations smoothly.

The focus of the convention included a session dedicated to this hot-button topic, aimed at diving deeper into the specific labor issues faced by the agricultural sector. A recent report revealed that as farms continue to struggle, labor has emerged as the number one issue for farmers in 2025.

Insights from Labor Experts

Another knowledgeable figure, Sarah Black, who serves as the General Manager of Great Lakes Ag Labor Services and the Michigan Farm Bureau’s Director of Business Operations, also weighed in on the conversation. Black underscored that the labor issue isn’t limited to farms utilizing the H-2A temporary seasonal guest worker program. She explained that it affects all aspects of farm operation, which is increasingly complicated by staffing challenges.

More than 96% of farms in the U.S. are family-operated. This makes the situation even more complex since many of them have multiple generations working together alongside hired employees. This mix can create operational challenges that, if left unmanaged, may hinder farm productivity.

Navigating Regulatory Changes

In this evolving landscape, farmers need to brace themselves for various regulatory changes as well. Black pointed out that it’s essential for agricultural leaders to prepare for potential audits from agencies like the Department of Labor. New regulations are on the horizon, and staying informed about topics related to payroll and benefits is crucial for success in these uncertain times.

One particular regulation worth noting is the Paid Sick Time Act, which is set to take effect in February 2025. Farmers across the state will need to be vigilant as this new regulation rolls out, affecting how they manage their workforce.

Support through Education

To tackle these complex issues head-on, Black is gearing up to participate in Farm Employment Seminars alongside agricultural lawyers. These seminars are designed to aid farmers in navigating the shifting legal, regulatory, and legislative environment that surrounds agricultural employment. Learning from experts can provide valuable insights that help farms prepare for the road ahead.

Anticipating Changes

It’s also worth noting that labor laws at both the state and federal levels could shift dramatically with the changes in administration. This unpredictability adds another layer of complexity for farmers who are already juggling multiple tasks. Black emphasized that farmers must stay on their toes and remain adaptable to keep their farms thriving amidst these ongoing challenges.

As the convention wraps up, it’s clear that the conversation surrounding labor shortages will remain a priority for years to come. Farmers hope that through collaboration, education, and adaptability, solutions will begin to emerge and pave the way for a thriving agricultural industry.