USDA farm labor report - insights for the lake region

By Blake Jackson

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service recently released its Farm Labor report, highlighting trends in farmworker hiring and wages across the Lake Region (Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin). The report offers valuable insights for both agricultural employers and job seekers in the region.

The data reveals a seasonal increase in farmworker hiring, with the number of workers employed directly by farms rising from 37,000 during the January 7th-13th, 2024 reference week to 49,000 during the April 7th-13th, 2024 reference week. This 32% uptick reflects the heightened labor demands associated with spring planting and early growing seasons.

While average weekly hours for hired workers dipped slightly from 39.8 hours in January to 38.6 hours in April, farmworker wages remained stable. The average hourly rate for farm labor reached $19.90 in January and remained steady at $19.17 in April. This data indicates a positive year-over-year trend, with average hourly wages exceeding $1.00 more compared to April 2023.

The Farm Labor report provides valuable insights into the agricultural workforce within the Lake Region. As the industry navigates seasonal fluctuations in labor needs, this data can assist employers in attracting and retaining qualified workers through competitive wages and potentially exploring strategies to stabilize work hours throughout the year.

Photo Credit: usda