Dairy Labor News
Small changes in milking parlor protocols can unlock major efficiency gains, boosting cow flow, milk output, and income without adding labor.
Despite sunny optimism, underlying issues such as rising operational costs, labor shortages, regulatory conundrums and unpredictable markets pose significant threats to the industry’s sustainability.
The labor challenges afflicting the dairy sector are far from resolved.
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.
If the next generation isn’t coming back, it’s not the end. But it is time for a new plan.
Top of the list: Reforming the FSA loan program, regulatory action to disincentivize federal funding for solar panels on productive farmland and expanding permitting of unused or underused federal land for long-term leases.
A sneak peak of Farm Journal’s leading-edge survey insights illustrates strategic solutions that generate renewed confidence, ensuring a promising path forward for the industry.
Investing in training and building an on-dairy culture of community can make all the difference in a dairy’s success.
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.
Idaho’s dairy industry exemplifies resilience and innovation, demonstrating its preparedness to tackle challenges while thriving in a competitive landscape.
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.
Investing in employee development is just as important as investing in equipment. By building a skilled and engaged workforce, farmers can boost efficiency, retention, and long-term success.
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.
What do high-quality leaders have in common when it comes to developing both strong teams and strong balance sheets?
Complacency happens to our operations when we decide we are simply too busy working in the business to work on the business.
Take-home advice to boost your farm’s labor productivity
Ag industry groups recognize the crucial role that immigrant workers play in the U.S. food system. They emphasize that these workers often take on physically demanding jobs that many American-born workers are unwilling to do.
As global populations continue to rise, with projections estimating a staggering 10 billion people by 2050, farmers worldwide are faced with an immense challenge: ensuring food security for all. This pivotal issue was the focus of discussions at the International Dairy Federation (IDF) World Dairy Summit in Paris, France, where industry experts gathered to share insights and explore solutions.
Union head vows to stay on strike ‘as long as necessary’ as the first strike since 1977 halts the flow of goods, ranging from bananas to beef, pork and poultry to industrial materials, leading to potential shortages and price hikes.
The group of terminal operators and ocean container lines said their new offer would increase wages by nearly 50%, triple employer contributions to union retirement plans, strengthen health care options, and retain the current language around automation and semi-automation.
Biden administration officials are meeting with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to urge good faith negotiations in the ongoing labor dispute with the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA).
In the competitive world of dairy farming, finding and keeping top talent can be a challenging task.
Providing housing for farm workers is an excellent way to increase employee retention, heighten morale and boost performance.
Know what it takes to become a high-level leader.
Larson Acres in Evansville, Wis., don’t have much turnover when it comes to the herdsman or herd manager position. The majority of the farm’s 75 employees have been with the Larsons for more than three years.