Immigrant Labor

I don't know anything more controversial than the subject of hiring immigrants to do jobs here in the good old US of A. I don't care whether it's having foreign-born labor work in fruit orchards, cotton fields, dairies, beef production operations or whatever. The facts are that Americans do not seem to be interested in carrying out very basic jobs and simply won't apply. So what would happen if nobody worked in these labor-intensive agricultural jobs? Simple answer... No labor, no food. This topic is particularly germane to the dairy industry. And irrespective of where you stand on the issue, you should weigh in with national and local politicians. Here is executive director of the Idaho Dairymen's Association, Bob Naerebout:"Obviously, we are deeply dependent on our nationally elected officials to develop immigration legislation that addresses our concerns and needs, along with the need to provide a level playing field through our trade policies. Equally important is your engagement with the local and state governments and the agencies that regulate how you are allowed to operate your production ag business."

Take time to get involved. Now that the election is

over, elected officials will be discussing and taking

action on legislative agendas in the new year."