Brooke Rollins’ USDA confirmation hearing has dairy farmers on edge. Her plans could reshape your farm’s future from labor shortages to trade policies. Here’s what you need to know—and how to prepare.

Summary:

Brooke Rollins’ confirmation hearing for Agriculture Secretary has spotlighted significant issues for dairy farmers, like labor shortages, trade problems, and the need for financial support. With stricter immigration rules, farms might lose around 20% of their workers, making it harder to keep operations running. Rollins suggests expanding the H-2A visa program to help, but tighter border security could still limit farm workers. Farmers worry about the impact of tariffs on the trade front, especially as exports to China get hit. Rollins plans to improve trade deals for key markets like Canada and Mexico. While there is talk of $10 billion in aid for farmers, many are skeptical due to past letdowns. Dairy farmers must stay alert, consider new labor technologies, find new export opportunities, work with local farm groups, and keep track of their farm’s contributions and needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Brooke Rollins’ confirmation as Agriculture Secretary is crucial for dairy farmers facing labor shortages, trade tensions, and financial uncertainty.
• The potential tightening of immigration policies raises concerns about its impact on farm labor availability.
• Rollins’ support for stricter trade policies could affect dairy exports, especially in key markets like China.
• There are promises of a $10 billion aid package for farmers, yet skepticism exists about its timely delivery and effectiveness.
• Dairy farmers are encouraged to explore technological innovations like robotic milkers and actively engage with agricultural organizations.

Dairy farmers nationwide are on high alert due to Brooke Rollins’ recent confirmation hearing as Agriculture Secretary. With labor shortages, trade wars, and market volatility already causing headaches, Rollins’ testimony provides insights into policies that could significantly affect numerous dairy operations. 

The Labor Crunch: A Familiar Foe 

Let’s face it—finding and keeping good farm help has always been challenging. However, with discussions of stricter immigration policies, such as a potential 20% decrease in available farm labor, many dairy farmers are worried about maintaining sufficient farm staff for their barns. 

Tom Johnson, a third-generation dairyman from Wisconsin, puts it bluntly: “Cows don’t take days off. If we lose our workers, we’re in deep trouble.”

Rollins empathetically stated, “I know these cows need to be milked 24/7. If there’s no one to milk them, that’s big trouble.” Expanding the H-2A visa program to include year-round workers could offer a viable solution for dairy farms facing labor shortages. Yet, her support for increased border security measures may reduce the overall pool of agricultural workers, causing concern. 

Key Question: How can we keep our farms running if these immigration rules become a reality? 

Trade Troubles: More Than Just Spilled Milk 

Rollins is backing Trump’s tough stance on trade, which has some dairy farmers worried about their bottom line. Remember when China slapped those hefty tariffs on our cheese and whey? The impact of tariffs on our cheese and whey exports from China stung dairy farmers. 

Jim Baker, who ships milk from his 500-cow operation in upstate New York, says, “We’re already scraping by on thin margins. If we lose more export markets, I don’t know how long we can hang on.”

While Rollins promises to advocate for farmers, skepticism remains about her capacity to tackle trade obstacles and protect farmers’ interests. She has pledged to collaborate closely with the U.S. Trade Representative to secure improved trade agreements for dairy exports, primarily focusing on key markets such as Canada and Mexico within the USMCA agreement. 

Bold statement: Rollins declared, “We will fight for every pound of milk and every wedge of cheese in the global marketplace.” 

A Ray of Hope: Whole Milk in Schools?

Amid all the tough talk, there’s a potential bright spot for US dairy farmers. Rollins hinted she might support getting whole milk back in school lunches.
Here’s what went down:

• Senator Roger Marshall actually poured and drank whole milk during the hearing.
• He asked Rollins if she thought whole milk belonged in school lunches.
• As a kid, Rollins remembered drinking whole milk and said Marshall’s words “hit home.”

While she didn’t make any promises, Rollins seemed to like the idea.
For us, this could be big news. If whole milk gets back in schools, we might:

• Sell more of our milk solids
• See a bump in demand
• Give kids a nutritious option at school

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There’s still debate about milk fat in kids’ diets, and nothing’s set in stone yet.

What do you think? If whole milk makes a comeback in schools, how might it change things on your farm?

A Helping Hand or Empty Promises? 

Discussions about $10 billion in aid for farmers are ongoing as part of a broader agricultural support package. While that may sound promising, we’ve been let down by grand promises in the past, like the $5 billion aid package that never fully materialized during the 2019 trade disputes. 

Mary Thompson, a small dairy farmer from Vermont, isn’t holding her breath. “I’ll believe it when I see the check,” she says. “We need real solutions, not just Band-Aids.”

Rollins pledged to “work tirelessly” to expedite the transfer of that money to farmers, proposing a streamlined application process and direct deposit options to speed up fund distribution. 

What’s Next for Dairy Farmers? 

With Rollins leading the USDA, dairy farmers must stay vigilant for policy changes that could impact their operations directly. Here are some practical steps dairy farmers can take: 

• Stay informed about potential changes to the H-2A visa program and prepare documentation for year-round worker applications if the program expands. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions about your farm’s future.
• Explore labor-saving technologies like robotic milkers or automated feeding systems to reduce reliance on manual labor.
• Diversify your export markets beyond traditional partners by exploring emerging markets in Southeast Asia or the Middle East.
• Collaborate with your local dairy co-op or farm bureau to collectively advocate for policies that support dairy farmers.
• Compile detailed records of your farm’s economic impact and labor needs to share with policymakers.

Key Question: How can we ensure Rollins and the USDA understand the real-world implications of their policies on our farms? 

The Bottom Line 

Brooke Rollins’ confirmation hearing has given us a taste of what’s to come. Still, The actual test will be to see how her proposed policies directly impact dairy farm operations, similar to judging the quality of a pudding. As dairy farmers, we have overcome challenging periods and are prepared to do so again. Yet, we need policies that assist us instead of impeding us. 

It is crucial to express your concerns, stay informed about policy updates, and be prepared to adapt your operations. Actively engage in local USDA meetings, directly contact representatives, or invite them to your farm to gain firsthand insight into your challenges. The future of our dairy farms depends on our ability to adapt to evolving policies and market conditions and our proactive advocacy in influential positions. Your active participation can make a significant impact. 

Learn more:

• The Future of Dairy Farming: Insights for US and Canadian Farmers
• Rural Politicians Urge Faith in Farmers Amid Skepticism of Climate Goals
• How the 2024 Presidential Election Could Reshape Agricultural Marketing Strategies

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