E145 Balancing Borders and Barns: Protecting U.S. Dairy Farms Amid Immigration Reforms

In this episode of The Bullvine podcast, hosts Douglas and Bella delve into the critical issue facing the U.S. dairy industry: the potential impact of mass deportations on milk supply and the economy.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Current State of the Dairy Industry

- 51% of dairy farm workers are immigrants

- 79% of U.S. milk supply comes from immigrant-staffed farms

2. Potential Economic Impact

- $16 billion cost to economy if 50% of immigrant workforce is lost

- 90.4% potential increase in retail milk prices without immigrant workers

- Possible loss of 2.1 million dairy cows and closure of 7,000+ farms

3. Human Element

- ProPublica investigation revealing harsh working conditions

- Personal stories of immigrant workers facing injuries and exploitation

4. Pr ...