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Labor issues continue to be concern of many producers

The Kansas Secretary of Agriculture says on-going labor issues are top of mind for many producers across the state.

Mike Beam tells Brownfield immigration reform could help provide a stable and reliable workforce. “I think there were a lot of people who were kind of pleased that we’ve had less people come here illegally here. Now is the time, I think, to look at our system that may inhibit the documented workers that we so desperately need.”

He says more producers are utilizing the H-2A visa program, but it is far from perfect. “There’s some simple tweaks to some of those programs that would make them so much more usable.”

Beam says creating opportunities in rural communities also needs to be a part of the solution. “How do we attract people who may not have familiarity with agriculture? How do we welcome them and get them excited about agriculture in particular if they can stay at home?”

He says residents often have opportunities to support local agriculture, but many may not be aware of them.