By Scout Nelson
Dairy farms in Minnesota and across the U.S. heavily depend on immigrant workers, many of whom are undocumented. These workers often send part of their wages back to their families in their home countries, helping to support them financially. In response, a group of farmers from Minnesota and Wisconsin has taken steps to build stronger connections with these workers’ families in Mexico.
Mercedes Falk, president of the Wisconsin-based organization Puentes/Bridges, and Cole Hoscheit, a dairy farmer from Minnesota, lead these efforts. The organization organizes trips to Mexico to meet the families of immigrant workers and improve cultural understanding. The initiative began in the early 2000s when a local extension agent in Wisconsin recognized the need for better communication between dairy farmers and their mostly Mexican employees. This led to the planning of immersion programs and, eventually, the formation of Puentes/Bridges.
During these trips, farmers visit families in Mexico, allowing them to gain a deeper appreciation for the workers' backgrounds and challenges. Hoscheit, who has visited Mexico several times, met with the families of his employees and was struck by the differences in terrain and climate, as well as the challenges these families face. These experiences have helped him adopt a more empathetic approach to managing his farm.
One of the key goals of these trips is to foster mutual respect and understanding. By learning more about the sacrifices these families make, farmers gain insight into how difficult it is for their workers to be away from home. The trips also serve to highlight the essential role that immigrant workers play in the agricultural industry, especially in dairy farming, where labor shortages could significantly impact operations.
In light of discussions around immigration policies, these trips also aim to educate both farmworkers and their employers about their rights and the importance of their work. Overall, the Puentes/Bridges initiative is bridging cultural gaps and strengthening relationships between farmers and their employees.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Minnesota, Business