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More automation needed for declining ag labor supply

An economics professor says more automation is needed to address the shortage of workers in the ag industry.

Grand Valley State University’s Paul Isely says the current shortfall in labor was projected 10 years ago.

“COVID caused it to get a little wacky but, really what’s driving this is that we are now seeing a big drop in 20- to 24-year-olds, and that started seven years ago and it’s going to go for another seven years,” he explains.

He says the expense of having children and the cost of daycare has led to smaller family sizes along with the change of generations.

“Not only are we having fewer children, but there are fewer of us to have fewer children and as a result, we’re seeing a drop in that total number,” he shares.

He says in Michigan the population is more affected because the 2001 recession lasted longer than in other parts of the country.

Isely says automation in agriculture is becoming a premium as labor shortages and higher wages continue.

“The problem is that there are not enough companies to do the automation, so as I talk to agribusiness companies, they’re now seeing up to 60-month lead times to put automated systems into some of their plants,” he says.

Immigration issues, the need for work-life balance, and a change in a worker’s mindset for advancement are also challenging labor dynamics.

Brownfield interviewed Isely during the recent Michigan Agricultural Commodities Outlook Conference.

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