In the dairy industry, the term “cheap labor” often surfaces in conversations, especially when discussing immigrant workers. However, this term is misleading and doesn’t accurately reflect the invaluable contributions of these workers. Let’s explore the realities and dispel some myths surrounding the labor force driving America’s dairy farms.
The Backbone of Dairy Production
Most of today’s dairy producers learned the ropes of milking cows early, often before they even learned to drive. My father exemplified this dedication, milking cows twice daily, every day, for nearly four decades. This kind of commitment echoes across the dairy industry, with today’s cows being milked in a multitude of ways. Some cows are milked by dairy farmers who, like my late father, sport bib overalls and rubber boots. Some cows are milked by high-school students after school. Some cows are milked by the advanced technology of robots. The fact of the matter is, while 97% of U.S. dairy farms are family-owned and operated, more than two-thirds of today’s 9.36 million dairy cows are milked by immigrant laborers, showcasing their critical place in the industry.
Addressing the ‘Cheap Labor’ Misconception
Amid conversations about immigration and mass deportation, it’s vital to lay out some truths about labor in the dairy industry. Immigrants are not “cheap labor,” they are the backbone of America’s dairy farms. They often work early mornings, late nights and beyond the standard 40-hour workweek. It’s not just a job — it’s a commitment and a display of work ethic and passion.
Immigrant workers ensure cows are milked up to three times a day, young and old cattle are fed, manure alleys are cleared, and cow beds are kept clean. Their willingness to learn and take on additional responsibilities, such as breeding animals, identifying and treating sick animals or managing herd vaccinations, is essential to providing safe and nutritious dairy products.
Investing in Our Workers
On our own farm, we prioritize our employees by offering holiday pay, raises and pizza parties. The pay our employees receive is based solely on their work ethic, commitment and skill level. Some might be surprised at the salaries of dairy workers. Most employees working on a dairy farm want to work as many hours as they can, so they can make as much as they can. Employees like ours invest in the local community. Many have children that attend school and church alongside families of dairy owners. Our longest-serving employee began his journey with us nearly two decades ago, a testament to our mutual loyalty and respect.
Immigrant employees work in tandem with dairy farmers as an extension of their family, an assertion that holds true on our farm as well.
Referring to immigrant labor as “cheap labor” undermines the essential work these individuals contribute. Farms like ours rely heavily on our hardworking employees to function efficiently. Without them, many farms would struggle to survive. It’s high time we stop using the term “cheap labor” as it never truly existed in our industry and is more irrelevant today than ever before. Our farm employees are not merely workers — they are reliable employees that are pivotal to our farm’s success.
In addition to serving at the dairy editorial leader for Farm Journal, Karen Bohnert and her family milk 750 Jersey cows in northwest Illinois. The first-generation operation relies on the dedication of family members and 11 employees day in and day out.
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The Essential Role of Immigrant Labor in the U.S. Dairy Industry
