Items Tagged with 'labor crisis'

Our trip to Smith Brothers Farms included two stops: one was a visit to the Kent, Wash., plant, where the company processes milk. Following this visit, we traveled 20 minutes to Federal Way, Wash., to check out the company’s distribution center, the origin of all Smith Brothers Farms’ home delivery services, which is the pillar of many communities.

From 1905 to the 1990s, home delivery was common for dairy processors, but popularity declined as customers turned to supermarkets. While many manufacturers focused solely on processing, Smith Brothers Farms maintained its delivery service and remains strong today, despite competition from Amazon and Costco nearby.

Rollins spoke to some 750 farmers, cooperative leaders and industry professionals gathered to discuss industry topics ranging from an economic outlook to dairy labor challenges. 

If there is one theme I have witnessed beyond the oft-mentioned health and wellness and flavor trends, it is today’s staying power of dairy products. Perhaps we should call this the “Golden Age” of dairy. 

Having a proper distribution system is essential to maintaining an efficient and effective dairy processing operation. The dairy supply chain continues to face ongoing pressures including labor and transportation shortages, high fuel costs, evolving regulatory and food safety concerns and more.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is drastically changing the way the world operates. From production and preparation to ordering and delivery, AI systems are revolutionizing the food and beverage industry. 

Although eCommerce may not be for all dairy processors, it can definitely be an option for additional revenues. In fact, Euromonitor International reported the number of Americans utilizing online grocery services skyrocketed from 13% before the pandemic to some 26% in 2022. 

Glenn Campbell, regional director of operations for Williamston, S.C.-based Transervice Logistics, joins us for Episode 44 of the “Let’s Talk Dairy” podcast to discuss dairy logistics. 

During our annual Sustainability Issue, it is a great time to talk about a report released by McKinsey & Co. and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).

The U.S. dairy industry supports more than 3.2 million American jobs that generate $49 billion in direct wages. Unfortunately, hiring and retaining a workforce to fill those jobs and run dairy farms and processing plants year-round is an ongoing challenge.