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Concern ag workforce layoffs will continue

There are concerns layoffs across the agriculture workforce will continue.

Ag economist Christopher Pudenz with Iowa Farm Bureau says a 2024 study showed at least 23 ag-related businesses in Iowa have let more than 4,000 employees go through mid-September.

“And fundamentally, the downturn that we have in this ag economy starts at the farm gate. Net farm incomes are down (in Iowa) between 20 and 25 percent over the past two years.”

Earlier this week, John Deere announced it was laying off over 100 workers at its Waterloo, Iowa plant, while Tyson Foods said it’s planning to close its Emporia, Kansas processing facility in early 2025.

Pudenz tells Brownfield a snowball effect occurs when farm incomes decline.

“(The farmer) might not be buying a new combine, and if he’s not buying a new combine and Deere doesn’t need to make that combine, Deere lays folks off. They’re not making as many combines (so) they don’t need to buy as many farm tires.”

Iowa Farm Bureau president Brent Johnson says the layoffs underscore the need for Congress to pass a new farm bill that enhances the safety net and provides long-term certainty for farmers.