Labor continues to be a challenge, even as hog farm wages increased more than 21 percent from 2021 to 2022, farmers still cannot find domestic labor.
“Pork producers currently are facing a shortage of on-farm labor,” explained Chad Leman, IPPA President. “One option many producers, including myself, are starting to explore to combat this problem is sourcing labor from other countries. However, the process can be overwhelming. IPPA created this resource to provide guidance to our producers as they navigate issues that may arise once the employees arrive on farm.”
Iowa State University economists found U.S. citizens and residents do not currently, and will not in the future, offset the need for foreign-born workers. In fact, one study found shrinking rural populations, declining immigration to rural areas, and the rising median age of rural workers, combined with the strong national labor market conditions, have contributed to the pork industry’s labor shortage.
“After talking to farmers, it became evident there are a variety of resources already available to help source employees from other countries, but the real challenge began once the employees got to the farm,” said Jennifer Tirey, IPPA executive director. “IPPA wanted to provide a useful tool to help our farmers get these employees accumulated on the farm and make their transition as easy as possible.”
IPPA wants to do everything we can to strengthen our family farms and help them remain viable. That is why the association created “Establishing an International Worker,” a new resource guide for pork producers hiring international workers. The resource guide provides general information and guidance for how producers can support workers once they arrive on-site in Illinois.