The ongoing conversation around mass deportation has sparked a significant debate across various sectors of the American economy. Among the most affected is the dairy industry, which is heavily reliant on immigrant labor to meet its production demands. According to the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), dairies using immigrant laborers are responsible for contributing to 79% of the U.S. milk supply. This statistic underscores the essential role immigrant workers play in maintaining the stability and productivity of this industry.
For nearly four decades, dairy farm organizations have consistently called for the creation of effective and sustainable pathways for immigrant farm workers to obtain legal worker status in the United States.
Organizations like Edge Dairy Coop outline a practical solution. Here are some of the components:
1. Certification & Accountability: Establish a framework where dairy farms undergo inspection, vetting and training to become certified legal workers.
2. Criminal Background Checks: Ensure each hired worker is documented, legal and free of criminal records.
3. Visa Coordination: Develop a streamlined, farmer-led visa category specifically tailored to the needs of dairy farms, whether seasonal or year-round, with oversight by USDA.
Karen Gefvert, chief policy officer at Edge, expresses the sentiment that the U.S. immigration system is broken — a reality acutely felt by American dairy farmers.
“For decades, dairy farmers have been raising the issue of an inadequate agricultural visa system for dairy employees and asking for reform, only to be lost in the partisan divide that grows deeper with each election cycle,” she says.
With the current legislative focus on border security, Gefvert sees a unique opportunity to reform agricultural worker visas. Dairy farmers require access to an entry-level workforce that is reliable, responsible and safe. A system that is streamlined, cost-effective, timely and reliable is of utmost importance.
“In order to establish a proposal that meets all of these needs, we need to determine a few of the must-have requirements. There must be an opportunity for employees coming into this country to be verified as safe and trustworthy,” she says. “They must have all of the appropriate legal documents, background checks and verifications to ensure they are approved for hire. “
Gefvert also notes visas establishing a year-round, multi-year accreditation for employees working on dairy and other livestock farms ensures farms can train employees and maintain them in the most appropriate and efficient manner for animal livestock operations that need a workforce 365 days a year.
Highlighting the labor challenges, Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, notes American citizens are generally unwilling to take on these arduous jobs.
“Americans don’t want these jobs,” he says.
Naerebout will further discuss labor opportunities and challenges at the upcoming 2025 Milk Business Conference, scheduled for Dec. 2-3 in Las Vegas. To see the full agenda and register for this conference, go to: milkbusinessconference.com
The ongoing discussions and potential reforms represent a pivotal moment for the American dairy industry. Addressing labor deficiencies through thoughtful policy could pave the way for a more robust and sustainable future for the sector.
Your Next Read:
Three East Coast Dairy Producers Share Strategic Planning and Risk Management Lessons
