Dairy CEO: Trump Policies Raise "Real Concern" in Rural America

America urgently requires immigration reform to bolster U.S. farmers, declared Land O’Lakes CEO Beth Ford. While farmers often support President Trump’s economic agenda, Ford expressed concerns over labor shortages and diminished profits. "What needs to be recognized is the necessity of having labor available," Ford said, emphasizing that broad immigration reform is critical. Farmers "invest in this country" and are highly represented in the military. However, labor and immigration issues are their primary concern.

Ford noted that immigrants constitute about half of America's farm labor force. She highlighted that falling commodity prices and tariffs under Trump's administration add more pressure on farmers, potentially reshaping trade by 2026.