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CEO Warns of Ag Crisis from Labor Shortages

10/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Beth Ford, Land O’Lakes CEO, warned at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit of potential "black swan events" in agriculture due to labor shortages tied to Trump-era immigration policies.
Ford noted that farmers struggle to find American workers, a concern echoed by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.
The Labor Department finds deportation policies threaten the U.S. food supply and prices.
The Labor Department seeks changes to the H-2A visa program.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon Johnson, abolished national origin quotas and introduced a preference system based on family ties and job skills. This act led to a 500% increase in legal immigration, significantly impacting agricultural labor. Today, labor shortages in agriculture, as noted by leaders like Beth Ford and Governor Tony Evers, highlight the ongoing effects of these historical changes.

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Story summary

Beth Ford, Land O’Lakes CEO, warned at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit of potential "black swan events" in agriculture due to labor shortages tied to Trump-era immigration policies.
Ford noted that farmers struggle to find American workers, a concern echoed by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.
The Labor Department finds deportation policies threaten the U.S. food supply and prices.
The Labor Department seeks changes to the H-2A visa program.

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