Trump's immigration push has largely spared farms. Idaho dairymen worry it won't last

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-28T16:42:04.355Z • Permanent link

President Trump's immigration policies have largely spared America's farms from his aggressive crackdown. However, many farmers, particularly those in the dairy industry, are growing increasingly uneasy about the long-term prospects of finding enough workers to keep their businesses running. In Idaho, where dairy farming is a significant contributor to the state's agricultural economy, farmers are worried that the reprieve may not last. According to data from the Idaho Department of Agriculture, the state's dairy industry is facing a severe labor shortage, with many farms struggling to find qualified workers to care for their cattle and milk them.

Trump's immigration push has largely spared farms, but the impact on the dairy industry in Idaho has been significant. In 2020, the state's dairy farms employed over 4,000 workers, but many of these jobs were filled by undocumented immigrants. According to a report by the National Immigration Law Center, these workers are essential to the dairy industry, as they are willing to work for lower wages and are often willing to take on jobs that are considered too difficult or hazardous for other workers. Despite the Trump administration's efforts to crack down on immigration, many of these workers have managed to avoid deportation, at least for now.

Farmers in Idaho are now facing a new reality, where they may have to rely on a combination of temporary workers and automation to keep their farms running. However, this approach is not without its risks. According to a report by the University of California, Davis, the use of automation in agriculture can lead to significant increases in labor costs, as well as decreased productivity and efficiency. Moreover, the lack of workers in the dairy industry has already led to significant increases in milk prices, which could have a devastating impact on consumers.

The reprieve on immigration for the dairy industry in Idaho has significant implications for the broader agricultural sector. Companies such as Monsanto and John Deere, which supply equipment and services to farmers, are already feeling the impact of the labor shortage. In fact, a report by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association found that the industry is facing a significant shortage of skilled workers, with over 70% of farmers reporting difficulty finding qualified employees. This shortage is not limited to dairy farming, but affects many other sectors of the agricultural industry, including livestock production and crop farming.

The impact on research communities is also significant. Many universities and research institutions are heavily invested in agricultural research, and the lack of workers in the dairy industry is already affecting the ability of researchers to conduct field studies and gather data. For example, the University of Idaho's dairy research program is currently facing significant challenges due to the lack of qualified workers, and researchers are struggling to find ways to replace the lost productivity. Moreover, the shortage of workers is also affecting the ability of researchers to collaborate with farmers and other stakeholders, which is essential for developing new technologies and improving agricultural practices.

The reprieve on immigration for the dairy industry in Idaho is part of a larger pattern of competing approaches to immigration policy. On one hand, the Trump administration has been aggressive in its efforts to crack down on immigration, particularly among undocumented workers in the agricultural sector. On the other hand, many farmers and agricultural organizations are advocating for a more humane and effective approach to immigration policy, one that recognizes the critical role that immigrant workers play in the agricultural industry.