Many Presidential candidates are spending a significant amount of time in Wisconsin this week in anticipation of the state’s presidential primary next week, including Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, and the Wisconsin dairy community used the many political events as an opportunity to help the candidate understand the incredibly important role that immigrant labor plays in the Wisconsin agricultural sector … Read More
Candidates Answer #Dairy Farmer Questions
Republican presidential candidates Sen. Ted Cruz and Donald Trump were both asked about immigration and farm labor by Wisconsin dairy farmers during CNN town hall events in that state this week. Jason Vorpahl, who operates a 2800 head dairy farm in Wisconsin, questioned Cruz about the issue. “We offer a competitive wage and offer full benefits to all our employees,” … Read More
Proposed Labor Rule Could Hurt Sheep, Goat Producers
A new rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) could hurt sheep and goat producers, especially those on the western open ranges. This news release from the American Sheep Industry says the significant changes to regulations governing the employment of non-immigrant H-2A workers as sheepherders, goat herders and for the production of livestock on the open range upsets … Read More
Ag is Target for Guest Worker Audits
Agriculture has a target on its back when it comes to compliance with guest worker regulations, according to Eileen Scofield an immigration law attorney who held a workshop at the American Farm Bureau annual meeting this week. “Currently there’s three agencies that focus on employers but for ag in particular there’s about five or six other separate laws which are … Read More
Partnership Formed to Aid in Members Legal Issues
Milk Producers Council (MPC) and Weintraub Tobin Chediak Coleman Grodin Law Corporation (Weintraub) announced their new strategic partnership. The partnership was created to provide labor and employment and environmental support services for the dairy family members of MPC and offer these members access to legal counseling. Weintraub’s program developed for MPC’s members includes unlimited access to Weintraub’s monthly Labor and … Read More
Senate Passes Immigration Reform Bill
Despite concerns by some members about the agricultural provisions, the full Senate passed comprehensive immigration reform legislation on Thursday by a vote of 68-32. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) took to the floor Wednesday evening to detail some of his concerns about the farm worker provisions in the bill and amendments that he wanted to see added. The Georgia senator’s main … Read More
DFA Takes Part in Immigration Forum
Dairy Farmers of America was one of the groups that took part in a USDA forum on comprehensive immigration reform held Friday in Kansas City. DFA Board Chairman Randy Mooney spoke at the event, telling the audience that current immigration policy is threatening access to quality, affordable food in this nation. “Because of America’s farmers, we enjoy abundant, safe and … Read More
Labor Department Drops Child Farm Labor Rule
The U.S. Labor Department has officially withdrawn proposed rules that would have prevented many young people from working on farms and ranches. “The Obama administration is firmly committed to promoting family farmers and respecting the rural way of life, especially the role that parents and other family members play in passing those traditions down through the generations,” said the department … Read More
Cattle Industry Pleased with Child Farm Labor Rule Decision
Just prior to the opening general session of the Cattle Industry Convention this week, the U.S. Labor Department announced that a proposal which would have barred children from many on-farm tasks will be revised to allow broader exemptions for parents who own or run agricultural operations. “I’ve got a news flash for all of you,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association … Read More
Dairy Policy and Immigation Focus of Forum
The South Dakota Dairy Producers (SDDP) are sponsoring a forum on National Dairy Policy and Immigration Reform August 30 in Sioux Falls. According to SDDP, the forum will provide South Dakota dairy producers with the opportunity to learn more about the latest federal legislation to authorize foreign workers through presentations and question and answer sessions led by officials of the … Read More
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