On a high-level note, dairy farms in Idaho heavily rely on laborers from immigrant communities for their daily operations. The immigration raids during the Trump administration instilled an atmosphere of anxiety across these agricultural terrains. Local inhabitants infrequently seek dairy-related employment, and if hired, they seldom stay. Associations such as dairy groups are advocating for policy changes and lengthier visas.
The scenario is particularly evident in larger dairy farms housing hundreds or even thousands of cows. Wisconsin dairy farmer, Tina Hinchley, described the intensely demanding lifestyle associated with her occupation. Meanwhile, Farm Action indicates startling statistics such as, only about 2.5% of dairies, inclusive of a few hundred farms with over 2,500 cows, are responsible for nearly 45% of the United States’ raw milk production.
Richard Stup, the director of agricultural workforce development at Cornell University, paints a comprehensive picture. He observes that there is a high probability of finding most employees in large dairy farms, typically those housing 500 or more cows, are of Hispanic origin. This extends from milkers to even some members of the shop or outside crew.
The CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, Rick Naerebout, estimates that around 90% of workers in Idaho’s dairy farms hail from nations apart from United States. Interestingly, the number of unauthorized workers in dairy farms across the country varie widely, and according to Stup, there’s no accurate count though there’s mutual consensus on the fact that it’s a significant number.
The labor shortage isn’t arising from low pay, argues Jaime Castaneda, the executive vice president of policy development and strategy for the National Milk Producers Federation. There’s simply an inability to locate enough workers. Reflecting Castaneda’s claim, a study conducted in 2013 by the Partnership for a New American Economy and the Center for Global Development revealed some key data.
The study analyzed data from The North Carolina Growers Association, which employs immigrant labor through the H-2A visa system. This visa system allows migrant workers to obtain seasonal work temporarily. However, to participate, employers must show that they have made a genuine effort to recruit domestic workforce first.
The investigation revealed an alarming inability to recruit domestic workers. In 2011, the association offered around 6,500 jobs but received a mere 268 local applicants. The association hired 245 of them, but only 163 arrived on the first day. Surprisingly, more than half of these individuals had quit after a month and only seven remained until the end of the season.
Farm labor is subject to a harsh cocktail of demanding circumstances. Based on the insights from Brian Reisinger, an author who has intensively studied agricultural economics, these workers face an uphill battle. Reisinger focuses on the upheavals experienced by the farm industry in his book ‘Land Rich and Cash Poor: My Family’s Hope and the Untold History of the Disappearing American Farmer’.
Innovation in the form of robotic milking machines and other automation technologies generate some hope for this labor-starved industry. Even so, David Anderson, a Texas A&M professor and co-author of a 2015 study on the dairy labor force, believes these technologies have their limitations, especially for more substantial operations.
Naerebout concurs with Anderson’s assessment, stating that such advanced technology still needs fine-tuning. There are various issues that are a constant source of worry for dairy farmers, key among them is their precarious financial situation which leaves them struggling to remain operational.
Effective solutions involve tackling the US immigration system. The dairy industry stands to benefit from reformative actions, as farmers and dairy operators of all political profiles agree on several policies. Notably, the Idaho Dairy Association advocates for the expansion of legal avenues for existing immigrant workers and their families, and the establishment of multi-year visas.
The industry wants the discourse to be more than just the prevalent ‘Enforcement only’ attitude. Jaime Castaneda of the National Milk Producers Federation emphasizes the industry’s need for stable workers who can stay for one year with the provision to return.
Rob Barley, a Pennsylvania farmer operating several ventures including a large dairy farm with over 1,000 cows, champions for reform with foresight. He rejects the polarized view which categorizes it as a choice between shutting everyone out or letting everyone in. Barley advocates for a strong border control, whilst maintaining a system that allows industrious immigrants to enter and contribute.
Hinchley, a key figure in the Wisconsin Farmers Union and a strong defender of immigrant rights, agrees with Barley’s approach and emphasizes the necessity of a long-term visa. She fervently opposed the immigration policy adopted during the Trump administration, asserting that the valuable contribution of these laborers is indispensable.
She further reiterates her stance mentioning, ‘I can’t imagine functioning without them, and they deserve respect.’ Evidently, the discourse around this issue is polarizing and diverse, with stakeholders across the spectrum arguing for much-needed policy reforms.
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