Farm labor is a big issue on ag lawmaker’s plates this year. It has been in the spotlight with President Trump’s deportation efforts.
Researchers at CoBank have been studying the issue for some time now, and they warn it could soon have a big impact on not just farms, but rural communities as a whole.
CoBank warns the already tight labor market could get even more strained, especially in areas like the upper Midwest. They found that those communities often lack the flow of immigrants needed to offset the aging ag workforce.
CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange warns that areas facing labor issues right now will not see relief anytime soon. They also warn that the problem will not cycle out.
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Labor supply may shift, but uncertainty remains for producers.
Hiring may ease slightly, but labor shortages remain persistent.
Reduced driver supply may increase freight costs this season.
New wage rules improve accuracy but may still raise labor costs.
As ag lawmakers in the Senate await the House vote on the Farm Bill, they are eager to discuss the challenges farmers face before it is their turn to take up the critical legislation.
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