The National Pork Producers Council continues their work on labor issues and President-elect Lori Stevermer says that work has never slowed. Recently, she and other representatives from the NPPC traveled to Washington, D.C. to talk with lawmakers about the importance of labor to the agriculture industry. The trip comes as U.S. agriculture faces a shortfall of about two million hired workers.
“But it is important because we do have this labor shortage, especially in the rural areas. And so, you know, we as producers need access to those skilled workers to fill those on-farm jobs. And I think especially when we’re here in DC, we want to encourage Congress to think of this as an Ag issue, right? Not to get into immigration or border security,” Stevermer said.
While in DC, they also address the issue of trade with lawmakers.
“27 percent of our pork is exported. That adds about $61.00 per value to a carcass. So having those trade opportunities opening and expanding new trade opportunities is really key to our business, Stevermer said.”
Stevermer points out that the number one country in terms of volume and value for U.S. pork exports is Mexico. Roughly 40 percent of U.S. hams are shipped there annually.
Ag exports are not expected to have another record year according to USDA. Right now Ag exports from October through February came in one percent higher than this time last year.
Story via NAFB
