Schmidt’s observations, shared during Brownfield affiliate KNUJ’s Women in Ag Forum, highlighted a notable turnaround. Following an extreme workforce shortage experienced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, AMPI’s critical manufacturing plants have now achieved near-full staffing levels. This significant recovery in labor availability for processing operations is a crucial step toward stabilizing the dairy supply chain and ensuring consistent milk production.

AMPI holds a prominent position within the U.S. dairy sector, distinguished as the largest farmer-owned cheese cooperative in the nation. Its extensive operations contribute a substantial portion of the country’s American-type cheese, butter, and dried whey. The cooperative’s ability to nearly fully staff its manufacturing plants is a strong indicator of successful labor recruitment strategies and improved working conditions within its facilities.

Despite these positive strides in manufacturing, the broader challenge of attracting and retaining skilled labor across the entire dairy industry persists. The need for continuous, non-seasonal work on dairy farms remains a key differentiator from other agricultural segments, often requiring specialized skills and a significant commitment from the workforce. Addressing this demand for skilled dairy farm labor is crucial for long-term growth.