August Farm Labor Series: Farm Labor Needed Year-Round on America’s Dairies

Skellie: Given the scope of our farm, hired labor is extremely important. There's three of us who own the farm, and it takes about 40 people to get the work done. So, hired labor is a big part of that. Longevity with employees leads to longevity and more productivity for the cows.

Skellie: We're certainly at a concerning risk with our workforce. We have a certain percentage who are foreign-born, so we're certainly striving and advocating for access to a year-round program for livestock farmers and those who have year-round needs. The workload changes a little bit in the winter, but cows are still calving and milking and have to be fed and cared for.

Skellie: Farmers, if you're not already a member of Farm Bureau, become a member of Farm Bureau, and then check with your Farm Bureau members and leadership and see what are the things they're pushing for and striving for, and what's that message, so that when you go to your legislators, you can be consistent with what we're talking about. The most important thing is talking to your legislators often about the most important issues.