The latest Northeastern Region Farm Labor Report, released by the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, provides valuable insights into the state of farm labor in the country. The report indicates positive trends in both the number of workers hired and their wages during key reference weeks in 2023.
According to the report, during the week of April 9-15, 2023, there were 651,000 workers directly hired by farm operators nationwide, representing a 3% increase from the same period in 2022. Additionally, farm operators paid their hired workers an average wage of $18.08 per hour, a 5% increase from the previous year. Field workers and livestock workers saw comparable wage growth, with hourly rates rising by 5% and 4% respectively. The combined field and livestock worker wage rate stood at $16.99 per hour, reflecting a 4% increase from 2022.
In the Northeast Region II, encompassing Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, 19,000 workers were hired during the week of January 8-14, 2023. The average wage rate for all hired workers in the region was $18.53 per hour. Field workers and livestock workers earned average hourly wages of $17.45 and $16.82 respectively, while the combined wage rate for field and livestock workers was $17.19 per hour.
These positive labor trends were also evident during the week of April 9-15, 2023, with 26,000 workers hired directly by farms in the Northeast Region II. The average wage rate for hired workers was $18.15 per hour, and the combined field and livestock worker wage rate reached $16.92 per hour.
The Northeastern Region Farm Labor Report provides essential data for farmers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of labor trends in the agricultural sector. To access the complete report and explore other valuable NASS reports, visit the official website at www.nass.usda.gov.
Source : minnesotaagconnection