Idaho’s Dairy Industry Faces Labor Challenges Amid Immigration Crackdowns

In Twin Falls, Idaho, the scenic view from Rick Naerebout’s office stretches across the Snake River Canyon, a site famously attempted to be jumped by Evel Knievel in 1974. Today, this area is renowned for its agricultural prowess, particularly in dairy farming, which is a significant part of Idaho’s economy.

Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, notes that many local farms depend on undocumented immigrant labor. He estimates that around 90% of the workers at Idaho’s roughly 350 dairies might not have legal status. According to Naerebout, these physically demanding jobs do not attract American workers.

“We’re not taking jobs from Americans,” Naerebout states. “The jobs are physical in nature and you’re out in the elements. They just don’t appeal to Americans.”

Despite the vigorous immigration enforcement under President Trump’s administration, many American farmers, including those in Idaho, express concern over the impact of these actions on their labor force. ICE operations continue to make farmers uneasy, given their longstanding reliance on immigrant labor, as shown in Idaho since the 1950s.

Immigration Enforcement and Its Impact

Reports suggest that states like Idaho have not experienced the same level of immigration enforcement seen in some blue states. However, ICE deportation planes land twice weekly at Twin Falls airport, a rural area integral to Idaho’s agriculture. Heather Muth and a group of activists regularly protest these deportations, highlighting concerns about human rights and community impact.

In nearby Burley, the immigration crackdown has affected local families, including Susan Rios, a farmworker advocate. Her daughter and son-in-law moved to Mexico due to ICE fears. The scarcity of workers is worsening as these issues persist.

“I tell everyone, this is your opportunity,” Rios says. “For all those that say Latinos are taking your jobs, right now, go to a dairy, go to a farm. I’m sure that you will be hired immediately.”

Labor Shortage in Dairy Farming

Data supports the labor shortage claims. Last year, Idaho advertised 7,500 positions through the H2A visa program, aimed at temporary farm workers, but only four local applicants emerged. The dairy jobs, although better paid compared to service jobs, see little interest, highlighting the labor crisis further exacerbated by immigration policies.

Idaho, now the fourth-largest milk producer in the U.S., faces unique difficulties. Dairy work is constant, requiring year-round labor, which disallows reliance on temporary visas and heightens dependence on migrant workers.

Political Influence and Future Uncertainty

Despite Trump’s promises to support farmers and undocumented workers, legislative action remains pending. The dairy industry’s economic significance provides some political leverage, but this influence does not guarantee security or resolve the urgent need for a comprehensive labor solution.

Rick Naerebout acknowledges the precariousness of the current situation, noting the industry’s reliance on an uncertain relationship with government policies. The promised agricultural visa reform remains in limbo, leaving the industry and its labor force in suspense while daily operations continue unabated.