Since 2011, there have been more than two dozen farm labor reform bills proposed in the U.S. Congress with no major progress to addressing the issue of agricultural workers. This week, a bipartisan compromise bill will be introduced that has a better than 50/50 chance of passing, despite the air of distinct partisanship in Congress – especially around immigration issues. Farm labor, as well as labor for commodity processors like meat plants, is increasingly a significant issue for the farm economy. Competition for labor has pushed up wage rates in the past several years, even as commodity prices have fallen.
There are fewer workers, especially young workers coming into farm jobs. According to the USDA, the average age of imm...
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...
