Labor Seen as Dairy Industry’s Biggest Issue

According to National Milk Producers Federation Chairman Randy Mooney, labor is the #1 challenge for the dairy industry. “We’ve got the H-2A visas that don’t really fit dairy because they’re seasonal workers,” said Mooney. “We’ve got now the Trump Administration closing the border and the ICE raids that we’re seeing around the country and I’m not speaking against any of that, but what we need as a U.S. dairy industry is we need some clear immigration policies.” Mooney, who is also chair of Dairy Farmers of America, will step down from his NMPF leadership role next month. In the Dairy Defined podcast, Mooney said it has been an honor to lead National Milk for the past 17 years. “I’m not leaving because I’m getting out of the industry; I’m going to stay as chairman of DFA, but it’s time for somebody different and somebody younger and new ideas.”