Immigration
With labor reform at a standstill, dairy leaders warn that “he who shows up” wins in D.C., urging producers to bridge the gap between farm gate priorities and Washington’s perception.
Facing a critical labor crisis, dairy leaders are backing the Dignity Act to secure a stable workforce and end 40 years of legislative paralysis before the political window closes.
Whether in a blue or a red state, the message to Washington is the same: the U.S. dairy and agricultural sectors cannot remain globally competitive while their workforce remains in the shadows.
A federal audit wiped out Drumgoon Dairy’s staff, exposing agriculture’s labor crisis. This South Dakota farm’s labor struggle highlights the urgent need for immigration reform to sustain the U.S. food supply.
Dairy’s future hinges on immigration reform. Labor is the top challenge with immigrant workers milking over two-thirds of cows. Pragmatic, bipartisan solutions are vital for sustainability.
Federal government will cut the bureaucracy to support the dairy industry, focused on tougher measures to stop major animal disease problems and improve labor availability.
Jane Muir, People Team Leader from New Zealand Dairy highlighted at the 2025 IDF World Dairy Summit in Santiago, Chile: “New Zealand dairy survives and thrives because of our efforts and immigration.”
This event is crafted to empower both producers and businesses with invaluable insights and connections that will propel their dairy ventures forward.
For 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 U.S. Organizations like Edge Dairy Coop outline a practical solution with key components.
Labor costs continue to rise for California farmers, but skilled labor isn’t something growers are able to find with the current H-2A program. Labor experts, economists and farmers agree the current immigration system is “broken,” but a solution could be on the horizon.
As part of this W&W Dairy transition, DFA implemented E-Verify, a federal system that verifies employees’ immigration status. This move has caused turmoil, particularly among the plant’s immigrant workforce.
In recent years, discussions around the slowing growth rate of the U.S. labor force have intensified, igniting concerns over potential economic impacts.
The success and productivity of the U.S. dairy industry are deeply tied to immigrant labor.
At least nine dairies in Texas were targets of I-9 audits over the weekend. Producers argue it’s a “broken” immigration system, and the recent audits prove the E-Verify program has flaws. Despite criticism, the dairy industry is pushing to be included in the H-2A guest worker program.
The on-again, off-again reports regarding ICE raids is sowing confusion for those who rely on immigrant labor and causing labor shortages because employees aren’t showing up for work.
Now is the most opportune time for Congress and the Administration to address the agricultural labor shortage in a meaningful and lasting way.
Aggressive immigration enforcement has had dairy farmers concerned about their ability to milk cows 365 days a year without interruption.
After a week of ICE seemingly targeting dairy farms, California produce farms and a meat packing plant in Nebraska, President Donald Trump is reportedly ordering the Department of Homeland Security to exclude farms from immigration raids.
Recently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified operations, with a spotlight on farms West.
For those interested in enhancing their language skills with a focus on agricultural needs, personalized education should be the priority.
As immigration issues continue to be a significant concern for farmers nationwide, proactive measures and informed strategies are essential to minimize potential disruptions.
Although vague, Trump’s comments during his Cabinet meeting are the most detailed the administration has provided on the fate of farmworkers without legal status — who make up half the farm sector’s workforce — under his plan for mass deportations.
The shrinking pool of workers in rural areas is a real concern as populations decline and economic opportunities increase in countries that have historically been sources of agricultural labor for the U.S.
Since being confirmed on Feb. 13, Secretary Rollins has been in the Washington D.C., USDA office for a few hours. Most of her time has been spent visiting farmers, ranchers and ag businesses in Kentucky, Kansas and at Top Producer Summit.
The 2025 International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) Dairy Forum in San Antonio, Texas, set the stage for discussions about the future direction of the dairy industry. Michael Dykes, IDFA president and CEO outlined five opportunities to unlock the industry’s limitless potential.
As the nation grapples with immigration policy debates, the livelihoods of those within the dairy sector hang in balance, underscoring the urgent need for balanced reform that considers both economic imperatives and humanitarian values.
As Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president, he’s not expected to impose China-specific tariffs on his first day in office, signaling a strategic shift toward engagement with Beijing rather than reigniting a trade war.