Navigating Ag's Labor Crisis
DTN's Special Ag Labor Coverage: List of Content and Links
DTN/Progressive Farmer's "Navigating Ag's Labor Crisis" reporting initiative explores what's driving the ag worker shortage and shares strategies some producers are using to adapt.
On this page, you can find links to stories from our special summer 2025 issue of Progressive Farmer, "Labor Pains," along with bonus content related to the series, including multimedia.
You can also find links to the latest DTN/PF news coverage related to ag labor issues.
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"LABOR PAINS" SPECIAL PACKAGEFor more stories, blogs and bonus content related to "Labor Pains" special coverage from Progressive Farmer magazine, see:
-- Editors' Notebook: "The Story Behind Progressive Farmer Magazine's First AI-Generated Cover"
-- Editors' Notebook, "DTN/Progressive Farmer Takes Closer Look at Ag Labor Challenges, Solutions"
Due to multiple factors, agricultural employers nationwide find it difficult to hire workers, reflecting a widespread farm labor shortage.
-- "Changing Demographics and Generational Shifts Make Attracting Agriculture Employees a Challenge"
-- "Farms Rely on H-2A Program to Fill Jobs as US Faces Reckoning Over Ag Labor"
-- "Here Is What Farmers Need to Know to Navigate the H-2A Guest Worker Program"
-- "Recruiting the Best Employees Is More Than Just Filling Vacancies"
-- "Cultivate the Perfect Strategy to Attract and Retain Top Ag Talent"
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-- "Farm Labor: Promoting From Within Can Be Rewarding"
-- "Taxlink: Use These Tax-Smart Strategies When Paying for Farm Labor"
-- "Understand Generational Differences to Maximize Your Employees' Potential"
-- "From Classroom to Career: How Colleges and Ag Companies Are Training the Next Generation of Workers"
-- "Loan Repayment Programs Aim to Attract Veterinarians to Underserved Rural Areas"
-- "Ag Mentorship Programs Connect Experienced Farmers With Beginners"
-- "Autonomous Technology Likely to Enhance, Not Replace, Ag Labor"
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UPDATED NEWS COVERAGE RELATED TO AG LABOR:
-- "H-2A Drivers Caught in CDL Freeze," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (8/10/26)
-- "Lawmakers Call for H-2A Admin Fixes," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (7/30/26)
-- Ag Policy Blog: "4 Republicans Distance Themselves From House H-2A Reform Over Amnesty," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (7/28/26)
-- "H-2A Reforms Get Fresh Look in Congress," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (6/30/26)
-- "Trump Administration Rules Dairy Farmers Can Hire H-2A Workers," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (6/18/26)
-- "ICE Enforcement and Minnesota Farms," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (1/26/26)
-- Ag Policy Blog: "DOL Issues New H-2A Rule Cutting Hourly Wages for Migrant Ag Workers," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (10/3/25)
-- "USDA Wants to End Farm Labor Survey," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (9/2/25)
-- Ag Policy Blog: "Michigan Congressman: Trump Must Lead on Immigration," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (8/6/25)
-- "Navigating the Labor Paper Trail," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (7/21/25)
-- Ag Policy Blog: "Rollins Says No Amnesty for Farmworkers, But Medicaid Recipients Could Fill the Void," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (7/8/25)
-- "President Points to Wins for Farmers, Historic Tax Cuts at America250 Rally in Iowa," https://www.dtnpf.com/…, (7/4/25)
-- Ag Policy Blog: "Congresswoman Says Farmworker Immigration Reform is Possible, But Senate Must Lead," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (6/26/25)
-- "Ag and Business Groups Struggle Over Trump Administration Reversal on Immigration Raids," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (6/18/25)
-- "ICE Immigration Raids on Farms Will Resume Despite Trump's Take on Ag Labor," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (6/17/25)
-- "Ag Secretary Testifies to House Aggies," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (6/12/25)
-- Ag Policy Blog: "Trump Again Vows to Protect Farmers From Immigration Crackdown, https://www.dtnpf.com/… (6/12/25)
-- "ICE Ramps Up Arrests With Raid at Nebraska Meat Plant, California Produce Farms," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (6/11/25)
-- "Tariff War, Cheap Imports, High Labor Costs All Put Stresses on Aging Farmers," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (6/9/25)
-- Ag Policy Blog: "USDA's Rollins Champions Small Farmer Plan, Ag Labor Fix and Banning Soda in SNAP," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (5/19/25)
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FARM FAMILY BUSINESS COLUMNS
-- Family Business Matters: "How You Can Become the Employer of Choice," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (7/7/25)
Check out past columns by DTN Farm Business Adviser Lance Woodbury for tips related to family relationships, succession and other ag labor-related topics.
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