What's Happening?
The 34th annual Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo in Norwood Young America, Minnesota, brought together participants from nearly 20 counties to discuss pressing issues in agriculture, with a significant focus on the impact of federal immigration policies
on farm labor. Dairy farmer Larry Dreier emphasized the critical need for immigrant labor, noting that his farm, which has been operational since the 1860s, relies heavily on immigrant workers. Dreier expressed concerns over the challenges posed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities, which have made it difficult to secure necessary labor. The University of Minnesota Extension reported a more than 10% decrease in workers with H-2A visas in the first half of 2025, exacerbating labor shortages. Dreier, who has utilized immigrant trainees for over 30 years, is now struggling to find new trainees, impacting his farm's operations.
Why It's Important?
The labor shortages highlighted at the expo underscore a broader issue affecting the agricultural sector in Minnesota and potentially across the U.S. The reliance on immigrant labor is crucial for maintaining productivity in farms, particularly in dairy and beef operations. The decrease in available workers due to stricter immigration enforcement could lead to significant operational challenges for farmers, potentially affecting food supply chains and prices. This situation also raises questions about the sustainability of current immigration policies and their alignment with the needs of the agricultural industry. Farmers, who are already facing economic pressures, may experience increased costs and reduced output, impacting local economies and food availability.
What's Next?
Farmers and industry stakeholders may need to advocate for policy changes that balance immigration enforcement with the labor needs of the agricultural sector. This could involve lobbying for more accessible visa programs or adjustments to current immigration policies to ensure a steady flow of labor. Additionally, there may be increased collaboration between agricultural organizations and policymakers to address these challenges. The ongoing labor shortages could prompt discussions on technological solutions or alternative labor sources, although these may not fully replace the need for immigrant workers.
