Dairy Farmers Push for Action on Labor Challenges

The dairy industry is encouraged by potential H-2A reforms while supporting renewal of the USMCA.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — Agricultural labor challenges were among the top priorities discussed during a recent Capitol Hill fly-in, where dairy producers met with congressional offices to advocate for the industry.

Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us Tuesday’s Market Day Report for a recap.

In his conversation with RFD News, Bjerga said dairy producers are encouraged by legislation that could help address longstanding challenges with the H-2A visa program, which has historically been unworkable for many dairy operations.

Bjerga also discussed the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

While he acknowledged the agreement is not perfect, he said it has provided an important framework for the dairy industry to have agricultural trade. He added that producers would like to see stronger enforcement involving Canada while preserving the benefits of the agreement.

Bjerga stressed that direct engagement with lawmakers remains important, saying producers making their voices heard is how meaningful change occurs.

Related Stories
John and Savannah Scarborough have expanded their operation to include livestock, microgreens, and compost production.
The family operation offers farm-raised meats, fresh produce, and an on-site market for visitors.
Texas A&M economist David Anderson says sharp declines in lamb and mutton production are helping support higher prices.
More than 500 U.S. counties currently face shortages of large animal veterinarians, according to USDA.
The update comes as congressional leaders continue working toward passage of a new Farm Bill.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The trip gave researchers a firsthand look at Brazil’s massive sugarcane industry and production practices.
The university’s dairy program combines hands-on education, technology and dairy production.
Women from across the farm sector gathered in Washington to discuss leadership, advocacy and industry opportunities
USDA Undersecretary for Trade Luke Lindberg says expanding export demand is creating new opportunities for U.S. ethanol producers.
Rising input costs continue weighing on producer outlooks despite stronger expectations for land values.
Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says the proposal would allow retailers to decide whether they want to offer E15 year-round.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.