Logistics and Food Systems
The Upper Midwest continues to lead the nation in farming and ranching. As a large exporter, the region must continue to embrace transformation in a highly complex and dynamic logistics and supply chain environment. The Veden Center provides training, webinars and consulting services to communities, businesses and groups that wish to grow with the region.
Supply Chain Video Series
2024 Series
Video 90 -- Inflation Reduction Act's Impact on Sustainable Agriculture
In this video, we discuss the Inflation Reduction Act and its impact on accelerating sustainable agriculture. There are several unique opportunities to leverage this legislation to obtain cleaner and more sustainable production.
Video 91 -- La Nina's Possible Impact on 2024 Agriculture
La nina was recently forecasted for 2024. How might a la nina year impact agriculture in our region and how can farmers begin to prepare for pattern and trend adjustments?
Video 92 -- Overview of 2024 Farmer Protests in Europe
This video highlights developments concerning the large and well-coordinated farming protests that are occurring in Europe. Should the situation not be resolved, global commodity prices may be impacted.
Video 93 -- Damage Overview of the 2024 Texas Fires
This video explores the impact of Texas’ second largest wildfire in history and how it will impact both crop production on over a million acres as well as ranching.
Video 94 -- Robotics on the Farm
Robotics are revolutionizing the way in which crops are managed. Combined with sophisticated operating systems, these tools can be used to augment existing labor as well as create efficiencies in areas that were once difficult and expensive.
Video 95 -- Hydrogen and its use on the Farm
Hydrogen may ultimately become the fuel source that alters how fossil fuel driven technologies are currently being used. Whether reducing carbon footprint and increasing operational efficiencies of implements or creating clean fertilizer, this is a technology to watch.
Video 96 -- Cacao's Impact on U.S. Chocolate Production
This video discusses the cacao market and its impact on value-added chocolate production in the United States. Prices have quadrupled in recent months thereby creating major challenges for processors and consumers alike.
Video 97 -- H5N1's Impact on the Ag Industry
This video explores H5N1 and its impact on the agricultural industry. As the virus is novel, measures are being taken to prevent the spread of the disease and reduce market impacts.
Video 98 -- 2024 MN Legislative Session
Join us as we discuss the positive outcomes associated with the 2024 MN legislative session and its impact on agriculture.
Video 99 -- Summer 2024 Heat Wave Impact on Agriculture
The summer of 2024 is predicted to be a scorcher for the Upper Midwest. Join us as we discuss the potential impacts associated with agriculture in our region.
Video 100 -- Midwest has Second Highest Level of New Farmers
Although an old profession, hundreds of thousands of farmers start their careers every year with the Midwest having the second highest level of new farmers. Join us as we break down what this means for the region.
Video 101 -- Economic Impact and Market Trends in Minnesota Agriculture
Agriculture represents almost $20B in Minnesota’s overall GDP. Learn what the prospects entail for the ag sector in 2024.
Video 102 -- Agricultural Highlights in the Midwest 2024
Agriculture represents almost $150B in the Midwest’s overall GDP. Learn what the prospects entail for the ag sector in 2024.
Video 103 -- Agricultural Layoffs in the United States 2024 Overview
Layoffs are becoming more prevalent both in the Midwest and California agricultural sectors. This is augmented by high tech and skilled labor layoffs with household names. Learn why this is happening.
Video 104 -- Midwest Farmer Demographics
Demographics in Midwestern agricultural communities are changing. Farmers are becoming older while there is a slow ethnic diversification within this sector that is underway. Learn more about farmer ages and socioeconomic groups.
Video 105 -- Farmland Preservation
The loss of farmland in the Midwest continues to be a major concern for policymakers. As populations grow across the region, how are land uses impacted and what is happening to what was once farmland?
Video 106 -- Food Prices
Food prices continue to shock consumers across the United States however inflation is slowing. Find out how much food has gone up and where it is heading via these USDA driven insights.
Video 107 -- Corn Sweat
Corn sweat refers to the moisture released into the air by corn plants through a process called evapotranspiration, which significantly contributes to the high humidity in Midwestern summers. This phenomenon intensifies with large-scale corn planting and climate change, as warmer temperatures increase the amount of moisture the atmosphere can hold.
Video 108 -- Population Decline on Farms
The population of farming communities in the Midwest has been declining for decades as younger generations leave for urban areas, driven by better job opportunities and economic shifts. This exodus has led to the consolidation of farmland and the disappearance of small family farms, with over 400,000 farms lost in the past four decades.
Video 109 -- Agriculture Commissioners
Agriculture commissioners are influential state leaders responsible for shaping agricultural policy, overseeing food safety, and addressing environmental issues such as water management and wildfire prevention. They often collaborate through organizations like NASDA to influence national agricultural policies, including sustainability efforts and the Farm Bill.
Video 110 -- The Importance of Efficient Ports for U.S. Agriculture
Understanding the port system in the United States is critical to agriculture. By having a well performing system, domestic producers retain a competitive advantage however the system must be modernized to reflect global requirements.
Video 111 -- AI Revolution in the Food Supply Chain
Artificial Intelligence is improving the food supply chain every step of the way. We have discussed how machine learning as well as AI supports higher yields and strengthens bottom lines but what about the nation’s food supply chain? Join us as we explore the AI contribution to food systems.
Video 112 -- Impact of Hurricanes on Agriculture
Hurricanes have major impacts on agricultural production and economies across the southern United States and Mexico. In 2024, Hurricane destroyed crops in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. In this video, we examine their impact.
2023 Series
Video 43 -- Why are eggs so expensive?
This video explores why eggs have become so expensive. An avian flu, coupled with inflationary pressures and public policy have resulted in major price increases in eggs whereas egg farmers continue to feel pressure from both disease and workforce challenges.
Video 44 -- The future of biofuels
The future of biofuels shows tremendous promise, especially as it relates to reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere. There are new demands projected for these biofuels, most notably sustainable aviation fuel or SAF; this video describes the future use of crops that support the aviation sector.
Video 45 -- Farming opportunities for carbon management and developing new revenue streams
Dr. James Leiman joins Dr. John Reilly, former Co-Director of the MIT Joint Program and an energy, environmental, and agricultural economist on topics concerning farming opportunities for carbon management and developing new revenue streams.
Video 46 -- Artificial Intelligence and the Farming Community
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the way in which farms and supporting industry are being managed. New capabilities are enabling more efficient operations and higher yields as a result, learn how this is happening in real-time.
Video 47 -- American Drought Update
Update on the American drought situation and its impact on communities and commodities across the nation. The situation appears to be improving in most of the country while getting worse in the Great Plains.
Video 48 -- Domestic Food Security Update
Update on domestic food security as a result of inflation and the reduction of federal nutrition benefit programming. Inflation and fewer benefits and tax breaks available to lower income Americans may create a food bank crisis.
Video 49 -- Agricultural Impact on Snow Melt Delay
The impact on agriculture should the snow melt delay continue through April and potentially be felt into May. How might the late onset of spring impact yields, soil health, flooding as well as regional economics?
Video 50 -- Where do food dollars go?
Where do food dollars go? With rising costs, a dynamic market, pandemic, and war, the food dollar is in a constant state of fluctuation. Learn where your hard earned money goes and how it is spent and distributed within this paradigm.
Video 51 -- AI and Reduction of Global Food Insecurity
Where do food dollars go? With rising costs, a dynamic market, pandemic, and war, the food dollar is in a constant state of fluctuation. Learn where your hard earned money goes and how it is spent and distributed within this paradigm.
Video 52 -- AI and Influence on Farming
Artificial Intelligence’s influence on farming, how it is improving crop yields as well as agricultural operations at the farm level. Although growing rapidly to support supply chain and logistics management, AI does come with concerns.
Video 53 -- Ukrainian wheat situation
Update on Ukrainian wheat situation, recent bans by EU states, a tentative deal and how this will impact global wheat and grain pricing.
Video 54 -- Upper Midwest Planting and Commodities Progress Update
Update on Upper Midwest planting conditions, the impact on commodities in the region, as well as how the late start may impact crop yields for Minnesota and the Dakotas.
Video 55 -- Agricultural Impact on Seven State Deal with Colorado River
Seven western states have struck a deal on Colorado River water allocations which will likely have a major impact on agriculture. Impacts include reduced production as well as long-term legal challenges that may ensue given the deviation from traditional western water legal practices.
Video 56 -- 2023 Farm Income Forecasts for Upper Midwest
2023 farm income forecasts demonstrating that after major increases in revenues over the last two years, markets for a variety of major crops produced in the Upper Midwest will experience a decline in overall prices. In the aggregate, the sector remains very profitable and stable but production costs continue to increase.
Video 57 -- US Food Insecurity post COVID-19
Update on food insecurity in the United States following the pandemic. After decades of improvements in food security efforts, the pandemic slowed progress for the United States. In 2023, food insecurity appears to be worsening due to higher costs for food and other factors that influence access to nutrition.
Video 58 -- 2022 US Crop Loss Recap
2022 was noted as one of the worst crop lost years on record yielding over $22B in damage across the United States. Join us in exploring what the causes were, where many of the crop losses were located and which types of events are costing producers more money.
Video 59 -- El Nino - Ag Production Benefit or Suffer?
What is El Nino? We hear so much about this weather phenomenon yet so few of us know what it is, how it will impact the climate of our region and subsequently, how agricultural producers will either benefit or suffer.
Video 60 -- Ogallala Aquifer Importance
What is the Ogallala Aquifer and why is it so important to the long-term viability of Midwestern farming and the nation's food system. Join Dr. Leiman to learn more about the Ogallala and its rapid depletion and how it will impact local economies in the years to come.
Video 61 -- Grand Farm's Agricultural Impacts
Interview with Dr. William Aderholdt, Director of the Grand Farm. In this interview we discuss how the Grand Farm is facilitating agricultural advancements in the region and beyond and we learn how this innovative team has already successfully engaged in over 700 projects accelerating agricultural advancements across the globe.
Video 62 -- Effects of the Ukrainian and Russian Grain Deal Expiration
As the Ukrainian and Russian grain deal is set to expire, there are a number of challenges to not only extending the deal but moving grain through facilities throughout Eastern and Central Europe. These negotiations could have major implications on grain markets as well as prices for domestic producers as well as consumers.
Video 63 -- How Climate Change affects U.S. Food Production
Rising sea temperatures are beginning to have an adverse impact on agriculture as well as aquaculture production. Learn how climate change is impacting food production in the United States as well as other food producing regions throughout the world.
Video 64 -- Private Industry Leading the way in Regenerative Agricultural Practices
Regenerative agricultural practices have become increasing popular in recent years. Learn why private industry is taking the lead in this space and how these practices may influence consumer preferences moving forward.
Video 65 -- Global Pressures on Wheat Market
Following the collapse of the Ukraine-Russian grain deal, global pressures in wheat markets are occurring once again. Droughts and high heat are also impacting production but there are bright spots, e.g. Argentina, that are producing more grain thereby relieving pressure. Coupled with other factors, the impact on wheat trade may not be as dire as this time last year.
Video 66 -- Farm Labor Shortage Update
An update on the farm labor shortage, why it continues and where both private industry and policy makers can invest to improve conditions as well as productivity.
Video 67 -- America’s Climate-Smart Program
America’s Climate-Smart Program and how it will influence agricultural practices as well as investment in smart tech, new farming practices, as well as sustainable commodity production. To date, approximately $3B has been invested across the nation as public-private partnerships accelerate adapting to new climate realities.
Video 68 -- Effects Global Wildfires on Agriculture
Following the Maui fire and major Albertan crises, it has become evident that wildfires are having major impacts on agriculture. This video explores global wildfire trends and their impact on production of crops and economies.
Video 69 -- Agricultural Industry and Major Storm Events
How does the agricultural industry prepare for major storm events like hurricanes? As Hurricane Idalia approaches Florida and Georgia, farmers and ranchers are preparing for major damage. Join us as we discuss the likely impact associated with this major storm.
Video 70 -- Globe Ground Water and Climate Change/Sea Level Rise
The world’s axis has been tilted by overuse and depletion of the globe’s groundwater systems. Various parts of the planet face major risks and pressures and it is becoming increasingly evident that depletion is contributing to climate change and sea level rise.
Video 71 -- Organic Farming Trends
Trends driving organic farming point to major growth beyond the $60B industry; join us as we explore growth trends and opportunities in the organic farming space and how it is impacting farming practices throughout the United States.
Video 72 -- Night Farming
Night farming is becoming a growing trend within agricultural communities throughout the United States. After the hottest summer on record, farmers are changing practices to beat the heat, save money on electricity and water, and improve the utilization of resources.
Video 73 -- Vertical Farming
An update on vertical farming; as the industry is being right sized, vertical farming continues to grow, especially in areas with high rates of commercial property vacancy and food deserts. Join us to see where this industry is heading and how it may help feed the world.
Video 74 -- Government Shutdown Impact on Agricultural Programming
Explore how a government shutdown could impact agricultural programming across the country as everyone from farmers to those who depend on nutritional assistance may be impacted depending on the length and severity of the shutdown.
Video 75 -- Implications of Foreign Ownership of US Farmland
What's the big deal with foreign ownership of US farmland and what are the implications on National Security, food production, and other issues that have a major impact on economics?
Video 76 -- Corruption Indictment of Senator Menedez
Following the corruption indictment of Senator Menendez as it pertained to an agricultural favor, we explored how corruption negatively impacts global agricultural practices. Watch to find out how prevalent these practices are and how they impact prices and productivity.
Video 77 -- Agriculture's Impace on Halloween
Agriculture's impact on Halloween is huge! Both from a financial as well as cultural perspective, tune in to learn how Halloween impacts this sector and our region and how Halloween may contribute to fluctuating prices and the environment.
Video 78 -- Women in Agriculture
Women in agriculture continues to be a topic that is very important to the sustainable and innovative growth of farming practices. Join us as we discuss the current trajectory of female participation and growth in one of the globe's most important economic sectors.
Video 79 -- Agricultural Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence supporting the agricultural sector will likely approach $2 trillion in market share by 2030. Given the amount of funding, coupled with growth in precision agriculture practices, the world is likely to see an acceleration of innovative practices that drive higher crop yields, reduced disease, and healthier margins. Join us as we discuss unique opportunities in this space.
Video 80 -- Explore the Sugar Industry
As sugar prices are at record highs due to constrained supply and increased consumption, the Red River Valley enjoyed record production this year. Yields combined with prices are enhancing local economic impact; join us as we explore the sugar industry.
Video 81 -- Livestock and Climate Change
Livestock production contributes roughly 1/6 of the world’s methane emissions. Numbers continue to increase due to production and consumption patterns. Join us to learn more about the nexus to climate change and how innovation could improve sustainable production.
Video 82 -- How War Impacts Agricultural Production
War in the Levant threatens agricultural production and livelihoods for both Israeli and Palestinian farmers. Among the strongest producers of crops in the region, both populations risk losing major market share and the ability to feed themselves due to conflict. Join us and learn how the war is impacting production.
Video 83 -- Thanksgiving Consumer vs Farmer Pocketbooks
How does Thanksgiving impact consumer pocketbooks? With lower Thanksgiving prices, families will be able to afford more food for their money however surprising statistics surface during this discussion as farmers don’t make large margins on Thanksgiving fare. Join us to learn more about this holiday’s impact on the nation’s agricultural sector.
Video 84 -- Sustainable Nitrogen Use and Food Preservation
Nitrogen continues to be used in applications like fertilizers to increase yields within the agricultural sector. Although yields are increasing, so are greenhouse gas emissions. How will this important input be decarbonized to realize increased yields and reduce impacts on the environment?
Video 85 -- Technological Advancements and Workforce Implications
Labor continues to plague industries across industrial nations. Agriculture is not immune and in fact has some of the most difficult staffing shortages to overcome this decade. Learn how robots are mitigating this challenge in nations such as the United States and Japan.
Video 86 -- Agricultural Products in Christmas Celebrations
Christmas has many positive impacts on the agricultural sector. In this episode, learn how tree farms grow through sustainable growth and which industries are most impacted by the season.
Video 87 -- Understanding Livestock's Role in Methane Emissions
This video offers a comprehensive overview of how livestock significantly contribute to global methane and carbon emissions through processes like enteric fermentation, manure decomposition, feed production, and deforestation for grazing, along with strategies for mitigation.
Video 88 -- Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)
What is CRISPR? This video provides a comprehensive view of CRISPR technology's revolutionary impact in agriculture, showcasing its diverse applications and the potential for future advancements.
Video 89 -- COP28 - Expected Impacts on Global Agriculture Policy
This video details the anticipated impacts of COP28 on global agriculture, highlighting new initiatives for climate-resilient farming, ambitious emission reduction targets, and a focus on sustainable practices, smallholder farmer support, technology transfer, food security enhancement, research investment, market access, and comprehensive adaptation and mitigation strategies.
2022 Series
Video 26 -- Supply Chain Series 2022
Video 27 -- Supply Chain Series 2022
Video 28 -- Supply Chain Series 2022
Video 29 -- Supply Chain Series 2022: COVID-19, congestion at ports, and high prices for containers
COVID-19, congestion at ports, and high prices for containers continue to impact the agricultural community. This video explores what is causing many of these challenges as shippers are unable to access containers to move their product to global markets.
Video 30 -- Supply Chain Series 2022: Precision Agriculture Cyber Vulnerabilities
In mid-May 2022, the FBI issued a warning concerning cyber vulnerabilities within precision agriculture. This video explains those warnings and potential supply chain shocks that can occur in the event of a disruption caused by a cyber attack.
Video 31 -- Supply Chain Series 2022: 2022 Drought Forecast
This video provides an update to the drought forecast for 2022 and how the Midwest as well as Southwestern agricultural communities will be impacted by drought. This also provides a synopsis on the impact to global commodity prices.
Video 32 -- Supply Chain Series 2022: Update on Global Grain Situation
June 2022 update on the global grain situation as it pertains to supply and demand, the conflict in Ukraine, and what to anticipate over the next 12 months as a result of drought, production, bumper crops, and anticipated international agreements.
Video 33 -- How Interest Rate Increases Impact Farming Operations
This video explores recent interest rate increases and their impact on farming operations. This includes land values, input costs, the ability to manage operating loans, and projected impacts.
Video 34 -- Current Grain Storage Situation in Ukraine
This video explores the current grain storage situation in Ukraine, its implication on regional and global markets, assistance from neighboring countries as well as options to move the product out of the region during conflict.
Video 35 -- Food Waste
Quantifies and explores food waste, its impact on the environment and the opportunities that are being lost as a result. This video also quantifies waste’s impact and offers more effective solutions for producers and processors.
Video 36 -- United Nations and Turkey Wheat Deal
This video examines the recent deal brokered by the United Nations and Turkey concerning releasing 25MM tons of wheat that have been trapped in Ukraine. It also highlights how global prices of commodities will be impacted.
Video 37 -- July Heatwave Impact on Farmers
July 2022's heatwave has impacted farmers throughout the nation and the world. This video explores high heat and drought as well as its impact on domestic crop production and overseas growing seasons.
Video 38 -- Vertical Farming
How vertical farming is changing agricultural practices across the Midwest and Western states. Improvements in supply chains and logistics networks, deficits in energy uses in markets such as California.
Video 39 -- Agricultural Issues through 2023
This video forecasts a variety of agricultural issues through 2023. Extreme weather, inflation, and conflict continue to take its toll on most commodities as well as consumers.
Video 40 -- Commodity Prices affected by Climate Change and Droughts
This video explores climate change and existing droughts throughout the world and their impact on commodities and people. It emphasizes impact on commodity prices.
Video 41 -- United States Drought Impact on Agriculture
This video explores the drought in the United States and its impact on agriculture in the United States. It focuses primarily on the Midwest and Western United States.
Video 42 -- Food inflation recap for 2022
This video explores the food inflation recap for 2022 as a result of supply chain disruptions, monetary policy, weather events, and continued conflict in Ukraine
2021 Series
Also see our Supply Chain Series 2021 in Español
Videos 15 - 21
- 15 - https://youtu.be/DIzb6ViAlxQ
- 16 - https://youtu.be/6uwL-oBy1xk
- 17 - https://youtu.be/qAuK0bYSPNw
- 18 - https://youtu.be/pkjJ-_us3IU
- 19 - https://youtu.be/-K-GNsoPjmU
- 20 - https://youtu.be/Xw-Kx-_1CkA
- 21 - https://youtu.be/VJ8ZnOuzvmA
Video 22 -- Farming implements, driving up costs of inputs across farming communities in the Upper Midwest
This video focused on the various inputs for farmers that have been impacted by supply chain disruptions. This includes but is not limited to used farm tools, various inputs to include seeds and fertilizer as well as energy.
Video 23 -- Ag manufacturing and its impact on supply chains throughout the nation
The ag manufacturing supply chain was impacted by container shortages, disruptions in production capacity both domestically and internationally and other factors that have influenced farming costs. Some costs are the highest in recorded history, even when inflation is accounted for.
Video 24 -- Drought impact on the agriculture supply chain
The Upper Midwest has been impacted by a severe drought which has impacted farming operations throughout the region. This has impacted various supply chain verticals thereby straining the system. Commodity price volatility, high transportation costs and unreliable precipitation has created very difficult conditions for Upper Midwestern farmers.
Video 25 -- Ag labor and impact on overall ag economy
Labor continues to impact the ag economy. Wage inflation is at its highest in four decades creating difficult situations for farmers across the country. The issue is not relegated to issues on the farm as it is equally as accurate within processing facilities and manufacturers.
2020 Series
"I've been wanting to add a supply chain unit into my Animal Science curriculum and this will help. It's also so exciting for me as I am a UMC graduate in the first Ag Ed class. Seeing great things coming out of UMC and putting it on the map is amazing. I briefly looked over your website and you are doing great work."
- Angie Pommerening
Videos 1 -3 --Fundamentals of supply chains
The global supply chain is a highly sophisticated grouping of production, distribution and transportation systems. This primer introduces how the web of supply and demand influences the movement of products and how COVID-19 impacted the nation’s production and distribution capacity.
Video 4 -- Meat supply chains
The meat supply chain was impacted by COVID-19. Demand spiked as people rushed grocery stores while processing capacity was suspended in many locations due to disease outbreaks. This imbalance led to hikes in prices and shortages throughout the country. Meat producers and processors explain how they weathered the pandemic and innovated through challenges.
Video 5 -- Eggs supply chains
The egg supply chain was impacted by COVID-19 as restaurants and schools shut down; demand also spiked in retail locations. Production capacity as well as packaging was also in short supply. Egg producers and processors explain how they weathered the pandemic and innovated through challenges.
Video 6 -- Corn and Ethanol supply chains
COVID-19 immediately decreased demand for energy given a drastic slowdown in vehicle traffic. This led to shutdowns of ethanol facilities as well as backups in the corn industry where producers were unable to move their product. This video explains what the industry went through when COVID arrived.
Video 7 -- Dairy supply chains
The dairy supply chain was impacted by COVID-19. Demand spiked as people rushed grocery stores while demand almost went to zero with schools and restaurants. This imbalance led to hikes in prices for milk and shortages throughout the country. Dairy producers and processors explain how they weathered the pandemic and innovated through challenges.
Video 8 -- Fresh Produce supply chains
The fresh produce supply chain was impacted by major demand reductions within school systems and restaurants. Although demand increased in retail locations and foodbanks, distribution networks were able to evolve quickly enough leading to mass waste of product.
Video 9 -- Shipping and the supply chain implications
Shipping containers experienced a major shortage early in the outbreak due to manufacturing closures and demand reduction in China. This led to producers struggling to move their product out of the U.S. for consumption; this video explains global demand for containers and how the shipping industry has responded.
Video 10 – Restaurants and the supply chain implications
No industry was impacted more by COVID-19 than restaurants. This industry experienced major demand reduction resulting in mass closings thereby impacting supply chains across the nation.
Video 11 -- Food Banks and the supply chain implications
Given the economic impact of COVID-19, e.g. mass layoffs. Food banks throughout the country saw a major spike in demand. As a result, increased demand coupled with reduced supply due to constraints in multiple agricultural sectors led to an imbalance which persists.
Video 12 -- Local Markets and the supply chain implications
Small stores throughout the country suffered from supply chain shortages across the nation. Larger competitors with better contracts were able to serve customers at lower prices while local markets struggled to gain product and keep up with demand.
Video 13 -- Halal and Kosher Markets and the supply chain implications
Like local markets, specialty stores were greatly impacted by COVID-19. Meat shortages coupled with transportation constraints led to inadequate supply in certain communities throughout the nation.
Video 14-- Human Capital
Every business’ most important asset is its people. Within agriculture, there is no exception so when farms and processing facilities experienced large spikes in active cases, facilities across the nation were forced to close. Health and welfare coupled with more stringent immigration rules led to a shortage of people working in critical industries.