Labor

NASDA, Farm Bureau call for quicker H-2A processing

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) joined forces with the American Farm Bureau Federation to call on the federal government to alleviate H-2A processing delays. The H-2A program is a critically important... more »

Study: migrant workers migrating less

America’s seasonal agricultural industry suffered from a perceived labor shortage in recent years as the average migrant workers became significantly less mobile, according to a new study from Ball State University. Photo:... more »

Labor tops Michigan farm concerns

Results from a survey conducted by the Michigan Vegetable Council reported a peak of 88 vegetable farms in September 2014 that needed additional workers. As expected, labor shortages caused lost sales. Vegetable growers reported losing... more »

State involvement a mixed bag for Cuban growers

For part one of Sam’s trip to Cuba, click here. The farmers we met in Cuba were all in their 50s and had made career changes, such as transitioning from factory workers or Communist party... more »

Strategizing for potential sources of labor

Growers in Michigan should review their current methods for attracting and retaining workers and be flexible to try new methods and strategies to attract workers to the farm. Farms are competing with local manufacturers, construction,... more »

New York Farm Bureau opposes $15 minimum wage

Family farmers and small business owners recently joined together at farms and businesses across New York state to ask state lawmakers to oppose the proposed $15 minimum wage increase. The April 1 budget deadline is... more »

Caterpillar, SunSelect to collaborate on greenhouse

Caterpillar Inc. and SunSelect Produce, Inc. announced a strategic collaboration that will take the waste products of Caterpillar’s combined heat and power cogeneration facility in Mossville, Illinois, and put them to productive use in SunSelect hydroponic... more »

Necessity forces Cuban growers to improvise, innovate

It is always nice to see new ways of doing things – whether it is a novel cultivator, a new farm management system or an entirely different way to govern a country and order society.... more »