A Michigan State University extension specialist is urging dairy operations to establish comprehensive training initiatives as the agricultural sector grapples with persistent staffing challenges.
Martin Carrasquillo Mangual, who works with Michigan State University’s extension program, facilitates introductory training sessions designed for dairy operations. He emphasizes the importance of structured onboarding for new employees entering the agricultural workforce.
“Often workers are coming from different places,” Carrasquillo Mangual explains. “Not often do they have a rural background, not necessarily do they have an animal background, so that creates unique training needs.”
The extension educator’s recommendations come as dairy farms across the region continue to struggle with finding and retaining qualified workers, making workforce development programs increasingly crucial for operational success.
