The Economic Impacts of Immigration on U.S. Dairy Farms
Published : Jun 2009
Authors : National Milk Producers Federation
The purpose of this study is to estimate the economic impacts of immigrant labor on U.S. dairy farms and related sectors of the economy. Specific objectives include 1) assess the role and importance of hired immigrant labor to U.S. dairy farms; 2) estimate the effects of immigrant labor losses on U.S. milk production, farms and herd size; and 3) estimate the economic impacts of immigrant labor losses on economic output, value-added and employment in the U.S. dairy sector and supporting industries. In order to accomplish these objectives, three separate analyses were completed. First, a national survey of dairy farmers was conducted to determine the relative importance of immigrant labor to individual dairy farms. Second, economic analysis was used to estimate the likely losses in milk production and reductions in herd size and farms associated with reductions in immigrant workers on dairy farms. Finally, input/output analysis was used to examine how varying levels of labor losses would reduce industry sales, value-added and jobs. These losses were estimated not only for the dairy farm sector, but also for those sectors that supply inputs and services to dairy farms.

