By Blake Jackson
According to the USDA’s latest Farm Labor report, Wisconsin farms directly hired 62,000 workers during the week of July 7-13, 2024.
These workers were paid an average wage of $18.40 per hour, reflecting a decrease of $1.24 compared to July 2023.
The average hours worked by these employees during the reference period were 41.2, slightly lower than the 42.8 hours recorded in July 2023.
By the week of October 6-12, 2024, the number of directly hired farmworkers in Wisconsin rose to 65,000. During this period, the average hourly wage increased to $19.46, although it was 92 cents lower than the average wage in October 2023.
Workers logged an average of 41.7 hours for the week, a decline from the 42.8 hours reported during the same time last year.
These figures highlight a notable reduction in both wages and working hours for farm laborers in Wisconsin compared to the previous year.
While October saw a slight improvement in pay over July, the overall decline year-over-year could indicate broader challenges within the agricultural labor market.
These statistics provide insights into employment trends in Wisconsin’s farming industry, underscoring its significant role in the state’s economy and the impact on its workforce.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-alexeyrumyantsev
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy