By Andi Anderson
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team will continue its monthly educational webinar series on Tuesday, November 11, from noon to 1 p.m. CST, with a session dedicated to understanding workforce challenges facing the state’s dairy farms.
The upcoming webinar will be presented by Richard Stup, an agricultural workforce specialist with Cornell University Cooperative Extension. Stup will provide insights into demographic and economic trends shaping the dairy labour market, as well as programs such as TN visas and the H-2A guestworker program, both of which play a vital role in supporting the dairy workforce.
The session will also explore how Iowa dairy farms are adapting to long-term labour shortages, changing worker demographics, and evolving economic conditions. Stup will conclude with a forward-looking discussion about the future of the farm workforce and what strategies may help dairy producers remain competitive and sustainable.
“Developing and retaining a reliable farm workforce has become one of the most limiting factors for dairy farm success,” said Fred Hall, Dairy Specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. Hall emphasized that understanding labour dynamics is critical for the future success of Iowa’s dairy sector.
Producers, consultants, and industry representatives are encouraged to participate live by registering online at least one hour before the webinar begins. For those unable to attend, the recording will be archived on the Dairy Team webinar web page for later viewing.
For additional information, participants can contact their regional ISU Extension dairy specialists: Fred Hall in northwest Iowa, Jennifer Bentley in northeast Iowa, or Larry Tranel in east-central Iowa.
This webinar aims to equip Iowa’s dairy community with the knowledge and tools to navigate the state’s changing agricultural workforce landscape.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle