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The departments of Homeland Security and Labor need to streamline their operation of the H-2A farmworker program both to facilitate electronic processing of applications and more quickly identify workers who are due back wages, the Government Accountability Office said in a report issued last week.

Donald Trump’s cabinet picks are coming fast and furious, but the ag community is still waiting for the president-elect to pick someone to lead USDA. 

Lee Zeldin, who served as a congressman from Long Island for eight years before leaving to run a tight but unsuccessful race for governor of New York in 2022, is likely to be the next administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Ag policy veteran and current National Council of Farmer Cooperatives leader Chuck Conner announced Monday he will retire in December 2025, initiating the search for a new CEO.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending several measures to reduce the risk of farmworkers being infected with bird flu as well as testing of poultry and dairy employees who may have been exposed to the H5N1 virus, even if they do not show symptoms of illness.

Hurricane Milton caused widespread destruction to Florida’s nursery infrastructure and crops, including damaged poinsettia plants that could lead to holiday season shortages. 

A train derailment south of Eagle Pass, Texas, is further complicating congestion challenges for agricultural shippers trying to send goods to Mexico.  

The goal of turning corn ethanol into sustainable aviation fuel is a little closer with the announcement that Gevo has secured a conditional, $1.46 billion loan guarantee from the Department of Energy. It’s the department’s first such commitment for an alcohol-to-jet fuel facility. 

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is gaining ground in its fight to recruit enough staff to handle an infusion of additional conservation dollars while staving off the impacts brought on by a seemingly endless stream of retirements and job changes.

Hurricane Helene had an estimated $6.46 billion impact on Georgia’s agriculture industry, according to preliminary reports announced by Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.