President Trump Renews Promise to Build a Legal, Reliable Farm Workforce
President Donald Trump is once again turning national attention to one of agriculture’s most pressing challenges: the farm labor shortage. In recent speeches and policy plans, he’s doubling down on efforts to overhaul the H-2A visa program— a move aimed at helping farmers address labor gaps with a dependable, legal workforce.
The urgency behind this reform is clear. With immigration enforcement ramping up, many undocumented farm workers are fearful of deportation. That fear has already led to worker no-shows, leaving some farms operating with up to 60% fewer laborers.
The Labor Crisis Behind the Crops
The American Farm Bureau has long identified labor shortages as one of the biggest constraints on American agriculture. An estimated 42% of farm workers lack legal work authorization. So, when immigration raids happen, many farms find themselves without enough hands to harvest crops—putting entire seasons (and livelihoods) at risk.
The H-2A visa program was originally created to fill this labor gap, offering temporary legal status to foreign agricultural workers. While well-intentioned, the current system is often viewed as too expensive, overly complicated, and inaccessible—especially for small to mid-sized farms.
Today, only about 10% of the nation’s farm labor force comes through the H-2A program, largely due to the hurdles farmers face: meeting wage requirements, arranging housing and transportation, and navigating complex federal regulations.
“We have had producers here in Utah struggling to get H-2A applications approved that have not had similar issues in the past,” said Terry Camp, Vice President of Public Policy at the Utah Farm Bureau.
A New Push to Cut Red Tape
Hope may be on the horizon. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, and Labor Secretary, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, are spearheading efforts to make the H-2A process faster, cheaper, and more user-friendly.
In June, Chavez-DeRemer announced the creation of a new office dedicated to streamlining the visa application process. The office will offer a real-time online dashboard to help track applications and enable faster approvals.
In addition, the Department of Labor has paused enforcement of several Biden-era H-2A rules that farm groups criticized for adding unnecessary costs and administrative burdens—particularly around wages, housing, and job postings.
“There is a lot we can do to make the process easier and more efficient—especially for our smaller to mid-size farms that don’t have armies of lawyers,” said Secretary Rollins.
President Trump has also floated the idea of giving farmers more say in the visa process. At a recent Iowa rally, he suggested a system where farmers could vouch for trusted, long-time workers, saying, “Some of the farmers literally cry when they see [workers] deported. If a farmer is willing to vouch for these people…I think we’re going to have to just say that’s going to be good, right?”
How Easier Farm Labor Policies Impact Agricultural Lending
When access to labor becomes more predictable and affordable, farm operations benefit across the board:
- More stable operations: With reliable labor, planting and harvest schedules stay on track, making income more consistent.
- Reduced risk of crop loss: Labor shortages are less likely to disrupt critical stages of the growing season.
- Improved planning: Farmers gain the confidence to invest in equipment, try new crops, or expand their acreage.
These factors contribute to stronger cash flow and lower operational risk—two key elements that lenders look for when approving agricultural loans. A more stable labor environment can lead to better loan terms, higher credit limits, and more financial flexibility.
How to Capitalize on Policy Shifts with a Land Loan
As reforms to farm labor programs unfold, now is a strategic time for farmers and rural landowners to invest in their operations. A land loan from AgAmerica can help you:
- Bridge seasonal payroll: Ensure you can cover labor costs during peak seasons without disrupting your cash flow.
- Upgrade equipment: Invest in machinery that increases efficiency and reduces reliance on manual labor.
- Expand your operation: With more confidence in labor availability, you can grow your acreage or diversify your crops.
Put Your Land to Work
AgAmerica understands the unique challenges that come with running a farm—especially when labor shortages threaten productivity. With improving access to legal farm labor, now is the time to think bigger.
Let our land loan specialists help you explore how to use your land equity to fuel growth, streamline operations, and secure a stronger financial future.
Contact Us to start building a smarter, more resilient farm operation today.
