Episode Details

Dairy labor turnover now averages 38.8% a year in the U.S., quietly stripping profit, stability, and succession options out of herds that otherwise look “fine” on paper. This episode pulls apart the real economics of churn and then does what most industry talk doesn’t—it shows how progressive producers are rebuilding their labor models from the kitchen table out. If you’ve ever felt one resignation away from crisis, this conversation will challenge your assumptions about robots, wages, immigration, and “just hiring better people,” and give you practical models you can adapt on your own farm.

Key Takeaways

· Why a 38.8% turnover rate is not just a labor headache but a major hidden cost center for dairy operations of all sizes.

· How to estimate the real cost of losing one experienced employee, including recruiting, retraining, SCC, repro, and cull-rate impacts.

· Four community-driven labor models that are actually working on real farms—beyond “just pay more” or “just buy a robot.”

· How immigration support circles and legal pathways can stabilize long‑term workers and protect the skills your herd depends on.

· What separates successful robot transitions from expensive disappointments when it comes to labor relief and family quality of life.

· How high-retention wage and housing strategies can reduce churn and build a crew that shows up for you—and your neighbours—when it counts.

· The surprising role refugee and newcomer partnerships can play in solving chronic labor gaps in dairy regions.

· A simple decision rule to know when your turnover is no longer “normal” and it’s time to redesign your labor strategy, not just repost the job ad.

For deeper detail on the data and farm models discussed in this episode, visit https://www.thebullvine.com/management/38-8-turnover-is-bleeding-dairies-dry-these-dairy-neighbours-turned-kitchen-tables-into-labor-plans/ to read the full feature article and explore related resources on labor, automation, economics, and long-term herd strategy. While you’re there, subscribe to The Bullvine newsletter so you don’t miss future episodes and analysis that put real numbers behind dairy decisions.

If this episode gives you something to think about for your own operation, subscribe to The Bullvine Podcast on your favorite platform and leave a rating so more producers can find it. Links to key articles and referenced studies are available on the episode page at TheBullvine.com. Join the conversation on social media by sharing how you’re tackling labor on your farm and tagging The Bullvine—your next idea or collaboration partner might start there.