Key Takeaways
• ICE increased raids in dairy regions since early 2025, detaining multiple immigrant workers.
• Land O’Lakes CEO Beth Ford leads calls for legal status and year-round guestworker visas.
• Dairy farms risk losing staff, which could double milk prices and disrupt rural economies.
As of July 17, 2025, the landscape for the U.S. dairy industry is facing major changes, with new developments in immigration enforcement and renewed calls for immigration reform. Land O’Lakes CEO Beth Ford has become one of the most vocal leaders on this issue, especially as she chairs the immigration committee for the Business Roundtable—a group that brings together CEOs from some of the largest companies in the United States 🇺🇸. Ford’s advocacy is shaping the national conversation about how immigration policies affect not just dairy farmers, but the entire food supply chain and rural communities across the country.
This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what these changes mean for dairy farms, workers, and the broader economy. It also outlines the immediate steps that farms and immigrant workers should consider as the situation evolves.
Summary of What Changed
The most significant change in 2025 is the increased focus on immigration enforcement in dairy-producing regions, combined with a renewed push for immigration reform led by industry leaders like Land O’Lakes CEO Beth Ford. The U.S. government, especially through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has stepped up raids and detentions in states like New York and Vermont. These actions have created a sense of urgency among dairy farmers, who rely heavily on immigrant labor to keep their operations running.
At the same time, Ford and the Business Roundtable are pushing Congress to move beyond enforcement-only policies. They are calling for new laws that would:
- Give permanent legal status to current immigrant dairy workers and their families
- Create a guestworker visa program that fits the dairy industry’s year-round labor needs
- Expand legal pathways for immigrant workers to ensure a stable workforce
These changes are not just policy ideas—they are urgent needs for an industry that produces nearly 80% of the nation’s milk with the help of immigrant workers.
Who Is Affected
The impact of these changes is wide-reaching. The following groups are most directly affected:
- Dairy farmers and producers: About 51% of all dairy farm workers in the United States 🇺🇸 are immigrants. Farms that rely on these workers are at risk of losing staff due to increased enforcement and lack of legal pathways for year-round employment.
- Immigrant dairy workers and their families: Many workers face uncertainty about their legal status and fear of deportation, especially after recent ICE raids.
- Rural communities: Local economies depend on dairy farms for jobs and business. Disruptions in the workforce can hurt not just farms, but also stores, schools, and other services in rural areas.
- Consumers: If the dairy workforce shrinks, milk prices could nearly double, and the supply of dairy products could be disrupted.
- Other agricultural sectors: The issues facing dairy are similar to those in other parts of agriculture that need year-round labor.
Effective Dates and Recent Developments
The most recent enforcement actions began in early 2025, when ICE increased raids in dairy-heavy regions. These actions are ongoing and have already led to the detention of multiple workers. The push for immigration reform is also active, with Land O’Lakes CEO Beth Ford and the Business Roundtable lobbying Congress throughout 2025. While no new laws have passed yet, the pressure is building for legislative action before the end of the year.
Required Actions for Dairy Farms and Workers
Given the current situation, dairy farms and immigrant workers should take the following steps:
For Dairy Farms:
- Review workforce documentation: Make sure all employee records are up to date and comply with current laws. Farms should keep copies of work authorization documents and be prepared for possible audits.
- Stay informed about policy changes: Follow updates from the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the Business Roundtable, and official government sources like the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Consider legal support: Farms facing labor shortages or enforcement actions may want to consult with immigration attorneys or farmworker advocacy groups for guidance.
- Advocate for reform: Many farms are joining industry groups to push for immigration reform that supports year-round labor needs.
For Immigrant Dairy Workers:
- Know your rights: Workers should understand their legal rights during workplace inspections or raids. Resources are available from farmworker advocacy organizations and legal aid groups.
- Keep documents safe: Workers should keep copies of any work permits, visas, or other legal documents in a safe place.
- Seek legal advice: Those with questions about their status or facing possible deportation should contact a qualified immigration attorney or local legal aid office.
- Stay connected: Workers should stay in touch with community organizations that provide updates and support.
Implications for Pending Applications and Future Policy
For those with pending immigration applications, the current situation means longer wait times and more uncertainty. The lack of a year-round visa program for dairy workers means that even those who want to work legally may not have a clear path. Farms using the H-2A visa program—which only covers seasonal work—cannot meet their year-round labor needs.
If Congress passes new laws as advocated by Land O’Lakes CEO Beth Ford and the NMPF, the following changes could happen:
- Current workers could gain permanent legal status, reducing fear and instability
- A new guestworker visa program could allow farms to hire workers for the full year, not just for seasonal work
- Expanded legal pathways could help farms plan for the future and avoid sudden labor shortages
However, until new laws are passed, the dairy industry remains in a state of uncertainty. Farms and workers must continue to operate under the current system, which many say is not working for their needs.
Why Immigration Reform Is Critical for the Dairy Industry
Beth Ford has made it clear that immigration reform is not just a political issue—it is a matter of survival for the dairy industry. She points out several key facts:
- Dairy farming requires year-round labor: Cows must be milked multiple times a day, every day of the year. Unlike crops that are harvested seasonally, dairy work never stops.
- American workers are not filling these jobs: Despite efforts to hire U.S. citizens, most Americans are not interested in the physically demanding, often low-wage work found on dairy farms.
- Immigrant labor is essential: Without immigrant workers, many farms would have to shut down or cut production, leading to higher prices and less food on store shelves.
- Automation is not a solution for most farms: The cost and complexity of automation make it out of reach for many small and medium-sized farms.
Ford warns that without reform, the industry could face a “black swan event”—an unexpected crisis that could disrupt the entire food supply chain. She also highlights that many farmworkers and their families are deeply invested in the United States 🇺🇸, with some even serving in the military.
Industry Proposals and Policy Recommendations
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and other industry groups are calling for specific changes to immigration law, including:
- Permanent legal status for current workers and their families: This would allow workers to stay in the country without fear of deportation and give families stability.
- A workable guestworker visa program: Unlike the current H-2A program, which only covers seasonal work, the new program would allow workers to stay and work year-round.
- Expanded legal pathways and multi-year visas: These changes would help farms plan for the future and avoid sudden labor shortages.
The industry argues that these changes are not just good for farms—they are essential for the entire economy. Losing the foreign-born workforce could cost the U.S. economy over $32 billion and nearly double the price of milk for consumers.
Recent Enforcement Actions and Their Impact
In early 2025, ICE increased its presence in dairy-producing regions, conducting raids and detaining workers. These actions have caused fear and uncertainty among both workers and employers. Some farms have lost key staff overnight, making it difficult to keep up with daily milking and animal care.
The impact goes beyond the farm. Local businesses, schools, and service providers in rural communities also feel the effects when farms struggle to stay open. The loss of workers can lead to lower production, higher prices, and even farm closures.
Practical Implications for Dairy Farms
The daily reality for dairy farms is that labor shortages have immediate and serious consequences:
- Cows must be milked multiple times a day: If there are not enough workers, animal welfare can suffer, and milk production drops.
- Visa programs are limited: Many farms use the H-2A visa program, but it only covers seasonal work. There is no current visa that allows for year-round employment in dairy.
- Rising costs add pressure: Inflation, tariffs, and higher input costs make it even more important for farms to have a stable workforce.
Without reliable labor, some farms may be forced to sell their herds or close down, which would hurt rural economies and reduce the nation’s food supply.
Future Outlook and Next Steps
Looking ahead, Land O’Lakes CEO Beth Ford and the Business Roundtable will continue to push for immigration reform that balances the need for a stable workforce with border security. The dairy industry is hopeful that Congress will act before the end of 2025 to avoid severe disruptions by 2026, when trade tariffs and labor shortages could reshape the agricultural economy.
There is some optimism that modest reforms—such as multi-year visas and legal status for current workers—may be possible even if comprehensive reform remains difficult. However, the political environment remains challenging, and farms must prepare for continued uncertainty.
Key Stakeholders and Resources
- Beth Ford, CEO of Land O’Lakes: Leading the call for reform as chair of the Business Roundtable Immigration Committee.
- National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF): Advocating for labor reform and providing updates to members.
- Business Roundtable: Representing major U.S. corporations and lobbying for pro-growth immigration policies.
- U.S. Department of Labor: Offering data and resources on farm labor demographics. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s agricultural employment page.
Official Forms and Government Links
- Farms using the H-2A visa program should refer to the official H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers page for current requirements and forms.
- No official year-round visa program exists for dairy workers at this time. If new programs are created, updates will be posted on the USCIS website.
Conclusion and Actionable Takeaways
The call for immigration reform in the dairy industry is more urgent than ever. Land O’Lakes CEO Beth Ford, along with the Business Roundtable and the National Milk Producers Federation, is leading the charge to secure a stable, legal, year-round workforce. The current system—marked by labor shortages, enforcement crackdowns, and lack of legal pathways—puts the entire dairy supply chain at risk.
Immediate next steps for readers:
- Dairy farms: Review your workforce documentation, stay updated on policy changes, and consider joining advocacy efforts for reform.
- Immigrant workers: Know your rights, keep documents safe, and seek legal advice if needed.
- Industry stakeholders: Continue to push for legislative action and support efforts to create a workable visa program for year-round agricultural labor.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the stakes are high: without action, the U.S. dairy industry could face severe disruptions, higher prices, and lasting damage to rural communities. For now, staying informed and prepared is the best way to manage the uncertainty until Congress acts on the urgent need for immigration reform.
For further updates, consult the official U.S. Department of Labor and industry advocacy groups. The coming months will be critical for the future of dairy farming and the families who depend on it.
Learn Today
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → U.S. government agency enforcing immigration laws, conducting raids and detentions in dairy-producing areas.
Guestworker visa program → A visa system allowing foreign workers to fill labor needs, proposed for year-round dairy work.
H-2A visa → Temporary visa permitting seasonal agricultural labor, insufficient for year-round dairy farm employment.
Business Roundtable → An association of CEOs from major U.S. companies advocating for pro-growth immigration reforms.
National Milk Producers Federation → Industry group lobbying for immigration policies supporting a stable dairy workforce.
This Article in a Nutshell
The U.S. dairy industry faces urgent immigration challenges driven by increased enforcement and advocacy for reform. Beth Ford pushes for permanent legal status and year-round visas to sustain dairy farms reliant on immigrant labor, aiming to prevent workforce shortages and economic disruption across rural America in 2025 and beyond.
— By VisaVerge.com
