TURLOCK – Politics aside, federal immigration policy may create a bottleneck for finding available workers to care for and milk cows.
That message was shared in a recent statement by Dennis Rodenbaugh, president and CEO of Dairy Farmers of America, one of the nation’s largest dairy cooperators. Rodenbaugh, whose cooperative represents 10,000 dairy farmers producing a quarter of the nation’s milk, stated the U.S. only offers one agricultural visa, the H-2A program, which is limited to seasonal or temporary work, and inadequate for dairy operations that require skilled labor every day of the year.
Rodenbaugh is calling for a more robust immigration policy to address the unique challenges of the dairy industry and ensure a sustainable U.S. food supply.
“The fate of the farms required to produce our nation’s food, particularly in dairy, should no longer be subject to political gamesmanship,” the head of the Kansas-based co-op wrote. “Dairy farming is uniquely demanding, requiring expert, hands-on care for livestock year-round.”
Don’t expect AI to milk the cows, Rodenbaugh points out, as dairy jobs can’t be automated. He also said the solution must not only be comprehensive, but nuanced in identifying bad actors from those simply seeking a better life for their family. He said he is calling for an effective policy that would provide long-term workers, with a history of good conduct, the opportunity to obtain valid work authorization.
“To be clear, this is not support or a call for shortcuts, amnesty, or citizenship, but a recognition of the need for a pragmatic solution that delivers visibility and accountability, and one that strengthens our economy, communities, and national food security,” Rodenbaugh stated.
Rodenbaugh went on to state that diverting resources from apprehending dangerous criminals to removing entire families not only disrupts communities but also compromises the safety of the community and the food supply.
“Many farm workers have lived in our rural communities for decades. They’ve raised families, paid taxes, contributed to local economies, and supported church and community events,” Rodenbaugh wrote. “They are more than valued employees — they are a part of the fabric of our rural communities, and trusted team members on dairy farms.
“My children went to school with their children, performed together in plays and recitals, and stood as a team on the football field and basketball court. We shared meals at one another’s homes, celebrated birthdays, quinceañeras, and weddings, and we mourned together at funerals as a community, and as friends.”
