Labor comes up in nearly every conversation about the current state of the U.S. pork industry. Even though hog farm wages increased more than 21% from 2021 to 2022, farmers still struggle to find domestic labor. The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) created a new resource guide to help producers navigate hiring international workers.
“Pork producers are currently facing a shortage of on-farm labor,” explained Chad Leman, IPPA president, in a release. “One option that 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 these issues that may arise once the employees arrive on farm.”
The Labor Need isn’t Going Away
Economists at Iowa State University discovered that the 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 showed that 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, IPPA shared in a release.
“After talking to farmers, it became evident that 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,” Jennifer Tirey, IPPA executive director, said in a release.. “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.”
Practical Support
To strengthen Illinois family farms and help them remain viable, IPPA created “Establishing an International Worker,” a new resource guide for pork producers hiring international workers. Tirey said the resource guide provides general information and guidance for how producers can support workers once they arrive on-site.
Tips cover a wide variety of topics from pre-arrival planning and housing to social security numbers and drivers licenses. The resource includes valuable numbers for producers to get further assistance on important subjects they will need to address with the hiring of workers from other countries.
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
7 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring Workers from Mexico
What’s Holding You Back from Utilizing the TN Visa Program to Grow Your Team?
Labor Turnover and Biosecurity: Avoid a Multi-Million Dollar Mistake
Don’t Ignore Conflict on the Farm
Invest in Employee Mental Health to Maintain a Successful Sow Farm
