Next Week:

Agricultural Labor: DHS Publishes Rule Ending Automatic Extension for Certain Employment Authorization Categories 🌾
On October 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published in the Federal Register an interim final rule (90 FR 48799), effective upon publication, that “end[s] the practice of automatically extending the validity of employment authorization documents (Forms I-766 or EADs) for aliens who have timely filed an application to renew their EAD in certain employment authorization categories.” According to the rule, “the purpose of th[e] rulemaking is to prioritize the proper vetting and screening of aliens before granting a new period of employment authorization and/or a new EAD.” Persons who are “lawful permanent residents” or who have “nonimmigrant status that authorizes work for a specific employer incident to status” (including H-2A and H-2B visas) are not required to apply for an EAD, which is the process subject to the final rule. The final rule is available for public comment until December 1, 2025.

Regulatory Policy: Forty-Seven Pennsylvania Localities with Active ICE Agreements
As of November 6, 2025, forty-seven Pennsylvania localities have active agreements in place with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pursuant to Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which authorizes ICE “to delegate to state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions under the agency’s direction and oversight.” According to ICE data, most Pennsylvania localities operate the Task Force Model, which “serves as a force multiplier for law enforcement agencies to enforce limited immigration authority with ICE oversight during their routine police duties.” However, three localities operate the Warrant Service Officer program, which “allows ICE to train, certify and authorize state and local law enforcement officers to serve and execute administrative warrants on aliens in their agency’s jail,” and the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office is operating the Jail Enforcement Model, which ICE states “is designed to identify and process removable aliens—with criminal or pending criminal charges—who are arrested by state or local law enforcement agencies.” 

Agricultural Labor: Third Circuit Denies En Banc Rehearing in H-2A Job Order Contract Case
On October 15, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit issued an order denying the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) petition for a rehearing en banc in a case finding that the defendant in a DOL enforcement action involving alleged H-2A job order violations was “entitled to have its case decided by an Article III court” instead of only receiving a hearing before a DOL Administrative Law Judge. Sun Valley Orchards, LLC v. U.S. Dep’t Labor, No. 23-2608. For background, see ALWR—Aug. 5, 2025, “Third Circuit Holds H-2A Contract Violations Entitled to Article III Court Hearing.”

Agribusiness: Supreme Court Denies Certiorari in Tenth Circuit Corner-Crossing Appeal
On October 20, 2025, the U.S. Supreme court denied a petition for certiorari in a case appealing a Tenth Circuit decision holding that individuals may access public lands by “corner-crossing,” or “stepping across adjoining corners of federal public land” and, as such, finding that private “checkerboard landowners cannot maintain a barrier that has the effect of fully enclosing public lands and preventing complete access for a lawful purpose.” Iron Bar Holdings, LLC v. Cape, No. 25-64. For background and lower court case information, see ALWR—Apr. 15, 2025, “Tenth Circuit Finds Landowners Cannot Prohibit ‘Corner-Crossing’ Under Federal Law.”

Agribusiness: Nebraska, Hansen-Mueller Enter Agreement after Grain Dealer License Suspension
On November 3, 2025, the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) entered into a stipulated agreement with grain dealer Hansen-Mueller Co. after issuing an order temporarily suspending the company’s grain dealer license on October 24, 2025, also announced (PDF) by the agency (GD-2149/GDC-467). According to the PSC’s complaint, the agency received notification from a producer alleging that Hansen-Mueller had “failed to remit payment upon delivery of grain and demand of payment” and, upon investigation of the company, the company “provided a file identifying all Nebraska producer with unpaid grain obligations.” Upon reviewing the file, PSC determined that the company had failed to pay approximately 38 producers for deliveries between August 30, 2024, and October 21, 2025, totaling nearly $2 million. According to the agreement, the company has paid all producers for all outstanding deliveries, stipulates that is will provide the PSC with evidence of a valid line of credit, and provide monthly updated financial statements to the PSC until February 1, 2026. Additionally, on October 23, 2025, the PSC announced (PDF) that it had opened an investigation into Roberts Seed, Inc. of Axtell and ordered the company to “cease and desist all operations as a grain dealer and grain warehouse in Nebraska.” According to the announcement, the PSC Grain Department received information that “the company had purchased grain from a producer” and a subsequent inspection “found that the company is purchasing various amounts of commodities from Nebraska producers and is also storing commodities at its facility in Axtell without proper license” in violation of several state statutes.

 

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Understanding Agricultural Law Series. A free monthly Zoom webinar series for agricultural and rural business advisors. One hour of substantive CLE credit available for Pennsylvania-licensed attorneys at no charge. All events on Fridays, noon–1 pm (ET). Upcoming:

Nov. 21, 2025, Understanding the Basics of Cell Cultured Foods & Labeling Laws

Dec. 12, 2025, Understanding the Clean Water Act & Ag: Biosolids & Food Processing Waste Land Application

Jan. 23, 2026, Understanding the Basics of Pennsylvania’s Seasonal Farm Labor Law

Quarterly Dairy Legal Webinar Series. A free quarterly Zoom webinar series covering dairy industry legal and regulatory developments with an in-depth focus topic. One hour of substantive CLE credit available for Pennsylvania-licensed attorneys at no charge. All events on Tuesdays, noon–1 pm (ET). Upcoming:

Jan. 13, 2026, 4th Quarter 2025 Quarterly Dairy Legal Webinar

AgWorks: Connecting Agricultural Businesses to Workforce Services and Training. From 2025 to 2027, the Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law and Penn State Extension will collaborate with farms and agriculture-related businesses to strengthen the workforce system. AgWorks will provide 100 registered small- to medium-sized Pennsylvania farms and agribusinesses with no-cost training and consultation to ensure business sustainability. As part of the AgWorks program, the Center for Agricultural and Shale Law will present 20+ employment law programs. Upcoming:

Subscribe to the Pennsylvania Farm Employers’ Listserv (PFEL): an email networking and resource-sharing group exclusively about human resources information for agricultural operations.

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Legal Services Plan: “A new member-benefit program involving law firms that specialize in legal areas commonly utilized by farmers.”

Resources of Interest:

Ohio St. Univ. Ext. Farm Off. Blog, Pasture and Forage Risk Protection? – Enroll by December 1st, Eric Richer, Aaron Wilson, Mike Estadt & Garth Ruff (November 7, 2025)

Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr, Court Asked to Overturn Registrations for Enlist One and Enlist Duo, Brigit Rollins (November 7, 2025)

Univ. of Ill. Farm Policy News, Supreme Court Appears Skeptical of Trump Tariffs, Ryan Hanrahan (November 6, 2025)

Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr, Procedures: Filing, Will Scobey (November 4, 2025)

Univ. of Ill. Farm Policy News, SNAP Benefits Remain Set to Lapse on Nov. 1, Ryan Hanrahan (October 31, 2025)

Univ. of Ill. Farm Policy News, China to Buy 12 Million Tons of US Soybeans This Year, Bessent Says, Ryan Hanrahan (October 30, 2025)

Univ. of Ill. FarmDoc Daily, Rewriting the RFS Playbook: The Impact of Recent EPA Decisions on 2023-2027 RVOs for Biomass-Based Diesel, Todd Hubbs (October 29, 2025)

Ohio St. Univ. Ext. Farm Off. Blog, Trio of Ag Bills introduced in Ohio Senate, Ellen Essman (October 29, 2025)

Univ. of Ill. FarmDoc Daily, Individual US Crop Inputs Post 2014 Farm Bill, Gary Schnitkey and Nick Paulson (October 28, 2025)

Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr, Environmental Groups Challenge Forest Plan, Brigit Rollins (October 28, 2025)

Southern Ag Today, A Wave of Milk and Slumping Prices, David Anderson (Tex. A&M Univ.) (October 28, 2025)

STATE ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PRESS RELEASES

Protecting PA Farms: Pennsylvania Veterinary Labs Are Key to Disease Prevention, First Line of Defense for Poultry (October 28, 2025)

Governor Shapiro Takes Legal Action to Demand USDA Use Available Contingency Funds to Pay November SNAP Benefits and Ensure Nearly Two Million Pennsylvanians Are Fed (October 28, 2025)

PENNSYLVANIA EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Pa. Bulletin Vol. 55, No. 44 & 45—November 1 and 8, 2025):         

Department of Agriculture

55 Pa.B. 7749 Notice: “Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Program; 2025-2026 Program Guidelines”

55 Pa.B. 7751 Notice: “Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program; 2026 Program Guidelines”

Department of Environmental Protection

55 Pa.B. 7825 Notice: “Public Water System Technical Assistance Center Board; Meeting Cancellation”

55 Pa.B. 7824 Notice: “Federal Consistency under the Coastal Zone Management Act; Waste Management of Pennsylvania, Inc. Maintenance Dredging”

55 Pa.B. 7823 Notice: “Federal Consistency under the Coastal Zone Management Act; Federal Highway Administration Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Emergency Road Repair”

55 Pa.B. 7687 Notice: “Availability of Technical Guidance”

55 Pa.B. 7688 Notice: “Planning Grant Awards under Section 901 of the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, Act 101 of 1988”

Environmental Quality Board

55 Pa.B. 7509 Rules and Regulations: “Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Fees”

55 Pa.B. 7500 Rules and Regulations: “U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Consistency Rule—Incorporation by Reference”

PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE

HB 1512 “An Act requiring manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to make available to owners and independent repair providers, on fair and reasonable terms, documentation, parts and tools used to diagnose, maintain and repair digital electronic equipment; and imposing a penalty.” Referred to Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure (November 5, 2025)

HB 2004 “An Act establishing the Emergency SNAP Benefits Restricted Account and providing for a transfer to facilitate payment of SNAP benefits to recipients; and imposing duties on the Department of Human Services, the Secretary of the Budget and the State Treasurer.” Referred to Appropriations [House] (October 30, 2025)

HB 1713 “An Act amending the act of May 19, 1995 (P.L.33, No.3), known as the Economic Development Agency, Fiduciary and Lender Environmental Liability Protection Act, further providing for definitions.” Laid on the table [House] (October 29, 2025)

HB 1933 “An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for persons required to report suspected aggravated cruelty to animal.” Laid on the table [House] (October 27, 2025)

HB 1932 “An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sexual offenses, repealing provisions relating to the offense of sexual intercourse with animal; and, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for definitions and for the offense of aggravated cruelty to animal, providing for the offense of sexual crimes against animals and further providing for exemption of normal agricultural operations.” Laid on the table [House] (October 27, 2025)

HB 1512 “An Act requiring manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to make available to owners and independent repair providers, on fair and reasonable terms, documentation, parts and tools used to diagnose, maintain and repair digital electronic equipment; and imposing a penalty.” Third consideration and final passage [House] (October 27, 2025)

HB 608 “An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of cruelty to animal.” Laid on the table [House] (October 27, 2025)

FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY PRESS RELEASES

In Ceremony with North Dakota Governor, EPA finalizes approval of North Dakota coal combustion residuals permit program (November 5, 2025)

EPA Approves North Dakota Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program (November 5, 2025)

Trump EPA Announces Additional Construction Timeline Reductions for Infrastructure Projects Aimed at Cleaning Up the Tijuana River Valley (October 30, 2025)

EPA Approves Alaska’s Air Quality Plan for Fairbanks North Star Borough, Saving Alaskans From Costly Provisions (October 29, 2025)

EPA issues final approval for copper mining project in Utah (October 27, 2025)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) PRESS RELEASES

None.

USDA AGENCY PRESS RELEASES

National Agricultural Statistics Service

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will release key data in November for the following reports (October 31, 2025)

FEDERAL EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Federal Register: October 27–November 7, 2025):

Environmental Protection Agency

90 FR 49254 Final rule: “Cyclobutrifluram; Pesticide Tolerances” (November 5, 2025)

90 FR 48947 Notice: “Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Air Emissions Reporting Requirements (Renewal)” (October 31, 2025)

90 FR 48822 Final rule: “ASFBIOF01-02 Polypeptide; Exemption From the Requirement of a Pesticide Tolerance” (October 30, 2025)

90 FR 48794 Notice: “Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request Focus Groups as Used by EPA for Economics Projects (Renewal)” (October 29, 2025)

90 FR 48795 Notice: “Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: RFS Annual Rules (Renewal)” (October 29, 2025)

90 FR 48731 Notice: “Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NSPS for Stationary Combustion Turbines (Renewal)” (October 28, 2025)

90 FR 48582 Notice: “FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP); Notice of Postponement of Public Meeting” (October 27, 2025)

Farm Credit Administration

90 FR 49240 Notice: “Sunshine Act Meetings” (November 4, 2025)

U.S. HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

H.R.5902 “Innovative Practices for Soil Health Act of 2025” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (November 4, 2025)

H.R.4550 “United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (November 4, 2025)

H.Res.856 “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Department of Agriculture should use its contingency funds and interchange authority to finance the supplemental nutrition assistance program.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (November 4, 2025)

H.R.5875 “To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2029, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (October 31, 2025)

H.R.5866 “To require the Secretary of Agriculture to release a reversionary interest in certain land in the Black River State Forest in Millston, Wisconsin, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (October 28, 2025)

H.R.5865 “Thalidomide Survivors Compensation Act of 2025” Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Education and Workforce, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Veterans’ Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned (October 28, 2025)

H.R.5860 “To require the immediate release of funds appropriated for the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) and the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC), and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned (October 28, 2025)

H.R.5858 “CATCH IT Act” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (October 28, 2025)

H.R.5854 “Sustainable Agriculture Research Act” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (October 28, 2025)

H.R.4550 “United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (October 28, 2025)

U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY 

S.3152 “A bill to amend the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to give preference to local contractors in awarding contracts to carry out certain hazardous fuel reduction projects on Federal land.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (November 6, 2025)

S.3149 “A bill to provide for cost-share waivers for projects carried out in response to wildland fires caused by certain Government actions, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (November 6, 2025)

S.3140 “A bill to modify Department of Agriculture programs to improve flood protection and infrastructure resiliency, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (November 6, 2025)

S.3132 “A bill to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to exempt discounting food from the equal treatment requirement during a government shutdown, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (November 6, 2025)

S.3127 “A bill to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to reauthorize the farm to school program, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (November 6, 2025)

S.3126 “A bill to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to reform farm loans, to amend the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to reform the National Appeals Division process, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (November 6, 2025)

S.3112 “A bill to amend the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to establish an interagency seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables working group, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (November 6, 2025)

H.R.4550 “United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (November 4, 2025)

S.3099 “DIRECT Act of 2025” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (November 4, 2025)

S.3096 “Beef Labeling Clarity Act” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (November 4, 2025)

S.3095 “An original bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes.” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (November 3, 2025)

S.Res.481 “A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Department of Agriculture should use its contingency funds and interchange authority to finance the supplemental nutrition assistance program.” Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (November 3, 2025)

S.3084 “A bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish the ReConnet program under that Act, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (October 30, 2025)

S.3075 “A bill to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to reauthorize rural cooperative development grants.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (October 30, 2025)

S.3074 “A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to reimburse State agencies for costs incurred in carrying out the supplemental nutrition assistance program during a lapse in appropriations.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (October 29, 2025)

H.R.4550 “United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (October 28, 2025)

S.3065 “A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to strengthen country of origin and method of production labeling for fish.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (October 28, 2025)

H.R.1612 “Flatside Wilderness Additions Act” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (October 27, 2025)

H.R.197 “Lake Winnibigoshish Land Exchange Act of 2025” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (October 27, 2025)

S.3058 “Support Our Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2025” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (October 27, 2025)

S.2548 “Shawnee National Forest Conservation Act of 2025” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (October 27, 2025)

S.2440 “A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain National Forest System land located in Franklin County, Mississippi, and for other purposes.” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (October 27, 2025)

S.1876 “Stratton Ridge Air Force Memorial Act” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (October 27, 2025)

S.1681 “Shenandoah Mountain Act” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (October 27, 2025)

S.1680 “Virginia Wilderness Additions Act of 2025” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (October 27, 2025)

S.1462 “Fix Our Forests Act” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (October 27, 2025)

S.1376 “Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2025” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (October 27, 2025)

S.1350 “A bill to modify the boundaries of the Talladega National Forest, and for other purposes.” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (October 27, 2025)

S.1262 “A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to release a reversionary interest in certain land in the Black River State Forest in Millston, Wisconsin, and for other purposes.” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (October 27, 2025)

S.638 “A bill to amend the Act of June 22, 1948.” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (October 27, 2025)

S.277 “A bill to release a Federal reversionary interest and convey mineral interests in Chester County, Tennessee, and for other purposes.” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (October 27, 2025)

U.S. HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE—UPCOMING HEARINGS

None.

U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY—UPCOMING HEARINGS  

U.S. Senate Ag. Comm., Nomination Hearing, November 5, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST

 

Contributors:
Audry Thompson—Staff Attorney
Christina Fraser—Research Assistant
Riley Amdor—Research Assistant