US Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Sector NAICS 11

May 16, 2026 - Closures Ahead of Wildfire Season

• The closure of more than 50 US Forest Service facilities across 31 states is raising serious concerns about the management and protection of US forests, especially ahead of an expected severe wildfire season, Yahoo!News reports. The Forest Service plays a critical role in monitoring, predicting, and responding to wildfires across 193 million acres of forests and grasslands. Reductions in research capacity, staffing, and regional coordination could weaken early detection systems and limit the effectiveness of firefighting efforts. The closures come as 2026 wildfire activity is already well above average, with significantly more fires and acres burned compared to historical levels. Experts warn that reduced scientific support and operational resources could increase the risk of larger, more destructive wildfires, threatening forest health, ecosystems, and surrounding communities. The agency’s restructuring risks impairing its ability to manage and protect forests during a period of escalating climate-related risks.
• The USDA's 2025 corn crop estimate missed actual harvested acreage by 4.5 million acres, a 5% undercount described as the worst in recent memory, The New York Times reports. The undercount came amid staffing cuts at the agency, which reduced the National Agricultural Statistics Service from 800 to roughly 500 employees, a 34% decline. Survey response rates have also fallen from 60% to about 40% over the past decade. For US farmers and commodity traders, the consequences are serious. Inaccurate USDA data distorts pricing signals, leaving farmers at a disadvantage against algorithmic traders who exploit data gaps. Eroding trust in USDA reports risks a feedback loop with fewer responses leading to worse estimates, further undermining confidence. The agency is exploring AI and remote sensing as substitutes and plans to expand survey samples, pending approval from the Office of Management and Budget.

• The Trump administration is easing restrictions on the H-2A visa program to address worsening farm labor shortages caused in part by stricter immigration enforcement, The New York Times reports. By lowering wage requirements and allowing housing to count toward compensation, the changes make it cheaper for farmers to hire temporary foreign workers. Farmers largely support the move, citing a lack of available US workers and rising production challenges. However, critics, including the United Farm Workers of America and immigration advocates, argue it will suppress wages, discourage and displace domestic workers, and increase reliance on vulnerable foreign labor. Economists suggest lowering wages will not attract more American workers and may instead accelerate automation, reliance on guest workers, and increased imports. Overall, the policy highlights a tension between immigration restrictions and agricultural labor needs, with the industry becoming increasingly dependent on foreign workers to remain viable.
• President Trump has signed a proclamation allowing commercial fishing in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, reversing protections first established in 2016, The New York Times reports. The 5,000-square-mile monument off Cape Cod is home to diverse marine life, including endangered whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and deep-sea corals. Fishing industry groups support Trump’s move, arguing their practices are regulated and vital to coastal economies. Some industry representatives said maintaining healthy waters is essential to their survival. Environmental groups strongly opposed the decision, warning that fishing could threaten fragile ecosystems and arguing the action may violate the Antiquities Act. Critics emphasized the area’s importance as a refuge for marine species and a scientific resource, particularly as ocean warming accelerates. The decision follows a similar rollback in the Pacific and may face legal challenges, as previous attempts to lift protections have been contested in court, according to NYT.