The dairy industry in Eau Claire, Wisconsin is facing a number of challenges. Over the past two years, the county has seen a significant decrease in the number of dairy herds, with more than a quarter of them leaving the sector. This is due to the difficulty of making a profit from milk production, which has led to the National Trade Association of Dairy Cooperatives attempting to revamp the countywide milk pricing and sales system. There are several factors that have contributed to the decline of dairy farms in Wisconsin.
Elderly farmers and their offspring may be choosing other paths, while the deportation of illegal immigrants who work on dairy farms can also have a negative effect on the state's flagship industry. Furthermore, subsidies for milk production have increased, which has had a major effect on milk prices in Wisconsin since much of it is used for cheese production. In Chippewa County, the University Extension Office estimates that farms with at least 300 cows have an even higher percentage of immigrant workers. This could be problematic for Wisconsin dairy farmers if the Trump administration continues to crack down on illegal immigration, as more than half of their workforce is comprised of migrant workers.
The current pricing system for milk may also be detrimental to farmers, as Darin Von Ruden, President of the Wisconsin Farmers Union, noted last month that it could result in farmers being paid less for their milk than it costs to produce it. This could be a major issue for Eau Claire, which is at the center of the dairy industry and plays an important role in determining milk prices. The dairy industry in Eau Claire is facing a multitude of hurdles. With fewer farmers and an outdated pricing system, it can be difficult for those who remain to make a profit. The deportation of illegal immigrants and increased subsidies have also had an impact on the industry.
The University Extension Office estimates that farms with at least 300 cows have an even higher percentage of immigrant workers. This could be problematic for Wisconsin dairy farmers if the Trump administration continues to crack down on illegal immigration. Additionally, the current pricing system for milk may result in farmers being paid less for their milk than it costs to produce it. In order to ensure that dairy farming remains viable in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, it is essential that changes are made to address these issues.
The National Trade Association of Dairy Cooperatives must update the countywide milk pricing and sales system so that farmers can make a profit from their milk production. Additionally, steps must be taken to ensure that illegal immigrants are not deported and that subsidies are not increased so drastically that they affect milk prices.
