April 2024 - 31

Attorneys examined ongoing litigation in federal
court on tough issues for employers. NCAE's lawsuit
against unfair mandated wage rates disconnected
from the market for ag labor was discussed. The
potential of a U.S. Supreme Court decision this term
that could wipe away the whipsaw effect employers
witness in Executive Branch agencies upon changes in
administrations was highlighted as well.
We recognized NCAE members for their many
efforts to do good in their communities, as well as
efforts to provide excellent housing for farmworkers,
through annual NCAE awards. Doing Good Award
winners are Joe Rasch Orchards, Sparta, Michigan,
and West Coast Tomato Growers, Oceanside,
California. Washington Growers League, a Yakima,
Washington-based non-profit association that provides
services and support to ag employers, received the
Best Farmworker Housing Award.
Disparate state legislative activism in Florida
and Washington State was a hot topic, as was a
presentation examining the underlying economics of
agricultural labor. Safety and migrant educational
opportunities for workers and their families brought
those important topics to the floor of the meeting.
Members heard from Xochitl Torres Small, USDA
deputy secretary, who encouraged them to keep up
their good efforts on compliance with the regulatory
morass they face. The chair of the House Ag
Committee addressed the group on continued efforts
to improve outcomes for farm and ranch families. The
Republican and Democrat co-chairs of the House Ag
Labor Working Group gave members a glimpse at what
bipartisanship can do.
NCAE members attended dozens of meetings on
Capitol Hill with their elected representatives, sharing
their experiences from their home state, inspiring
leaders to recall where food comes from.
Visionary leaders stepped forward 60 years ago.
They would be pleased their legacy thrives today.
America is grateful for that vision. Let's pass it on.
Michael Marsh has led the National Council of
Agricultural Employers since 2017. A Wyoming native
and certified public accountant, Marsh worked for a CPA
firm with farm and ranch clients investigating fraud.
He was director of finance for the Almond Board of
California for 7 years and for 15 years was CEO of the
largest U.S. dairy producer trade association.
MODEL 912 MULCH
TRANSPLANTER
We provide custom designed irrigation systems to professional
producers. That means producers purchase our irrigation
systems because they provide continuous movement, are
simple to operate and maintain, are safe from high voltage, and
deliver non-stop performance. Once you talk with your local
T-L dealer... you'll quickly realize the T-L Difference.
The choice is simple.
est. 1981
website: www.springbrooksupply.com
e-mail: info@springbrooksupply.com
(877) 396-1956
11291 Lakewood Blvd.,
Holland, MI 49424
* Sets plants through plastic mulch
* Water system available
* For cells or plugs up to 2-1/2 " in diameter
* No more setting plants in wet, cold mud by hand
* Twin row available for row spacing as close as 12 "
* Plant spacing starts at 10 " in the row
1150 CENTRAL AVENUE, HOLLAND, MI 49423
Phone: 800-757-5268 or Fax: 616-396-3619
website: www.mechanicaltransplanter.com
e-mail: mtc@mechanicaltransplanter.com
VEGETABLEGROWERSNEWS.COM | 31
y60ears
http://www.mechanicaltransplanter.com http://www.springbrooksupply.com http://www.VEGETABLEGROWERSNEWS.COM
April 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of April 2024
