The latest report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service indicates a steady employment trend for farm workers in the Northern Plains region, encompassing Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
During the week of April 7-13, 2024, the number of workers hired directly by farm operators remained at 37,000, consistent with the same period in April 2023.
Wages have risen notably. In April 2024, the average wage was $19.68 per hour, up 6% from April 2023. Field workers earned $21.12 per hour, an increase of $1.77, and livestock workers earned $17.17 per hour, up $0.33. The combined wage rate for field and livestock workers rose by $1.03 to $18.90.
In January 2024, wages averaged $19.77 per hour, a 5% increase from January 2023. Field workers’ wages increased by $1.58 to $21.61 per hour, and livestock workers earned $17.18 per hour, up $0.08.
Additionally, labor hours increased, with workers averaging 44.4 hours per week in April 2024 and 42.8 hours in January 2024, compared to 41.8 and 40.0 hours, respectively, from the previous year.
These trends indicate rising wages and increased labor hours for the region’s farm workers.
