Latest News From Labor

The Number One Secret to Motivate and Empower People
The Number One Secret to Motivate and Empower People

What does an incredible leader, filled with so much knowledge and wisdom, who has had his hand in the tremendous growth and advancement of an organization like Milk Source, teach employees?

Employers Pivot Focus to Retention Strategies
Employers Pivot Focus to Retention Strategies

In recent years, agricultural employers consistently emphasized talent acquisition, but there has been a noticeable shift towards prioritizing retention as the primary focus in 2024.

What is the Biggest Challenge in Animal Agriculture? The Answer Might Surprise You
What is the Biggest Challenge in Animal Agriculture? The Answer Might Surprise You

The list of challenges facing animal agriculture is complex and multifaceted. This is what Dr. Robert Hagevoort from New Mexico State University Dairy Extension shared at the 2023 Milk Business Conference in Las Vegas. 

Farm Workers Rally Against Overtime in Washington State
Farm Workers Rally Against Overtime in Washington State

On January 25, 300 farm workers protested Washington’s agricultural overtime law that went into full effect on the first of the Year. This comes after a two-year phase-in.

At 15-Years-Old, He Worked to Put Money on the Table. Now, This Employee Brings 34 Years of Growth and Experience
At 15-Years-Old, He Worked to Put Money on the Table. Now, This Employee Brings 34 Years of Growth and Experience

Laurenio Vitorino came to America at only 15-years-old. After facing years of hardships and bullying, he found his calling working at a nearby dairy. 34 years later, he continues to bring excellence to the table.

Dairy Farm Workers Not Necessarily a Fan of Overtime
Dairy Farm Workers Not Necessarily a Fan of Overtime

With rising minimum wage and other industries competing for employees, labor prices have continued to creep higher. While we want to blame overtime rules, that isn’t necessarily the only culprit.

7 Tips You Need to Know to Keep Employees Warm
7 Tips You Need to Know to Keep Employees Warm

To create a safe and comfortable work environment for your farm employees, it’s important to address the specific challenges posed by cold weather on the farm.

Lack of Labor Remains a Serious Challenge for Farmers
Lack of Labor Remains a Serious Challenge for Farmers

The availability of livestock workers was ranked as more limited than crop workers and finding long-term help seen as more difficult than temporary help due to the seasonal nature of the ag industry.

Prevent Quitting: Keep Employees Top of Mind in 2024
Prevent Quitting: Keep Employees Top of Mind in 2024

These 10 steps can help keep your employees from walking away.

It’s Not an Immigration Issue, but Rather a Labor Challenge That Faces Agriculture
It’s Not an Immigration Issue, but Rather a Labor Challenge That Faces Agriculture

The immigration debate has been a continued conversation that has offered little to no solutions in Washington. Meanwhile, labor continues to be a No. 1 headache that farmers from coast to coast are challenged with.

Labor Can Be Dairy Farmers' Biggest Challenge, That's Why This Wisconsin Dairy Is Getting Creative To Keep Employees
Labor Can Be Dairy Farmers' Biggest Challenge, That's Why This Wisconsin Dairy Is Getting Creative To Keep Employees

From English classes to a rideshare program, Vir-Clar Farm is finding new ways to attract employees and make them feel valued.

The 15-minute Meeting that Engages Employees
The 15-minute Meeting that Engages Employees

When the opportunity came up for Schilling Farms to purchase a second dairy nearly 40 miles away, this meant also taking on a dozen more employees. This one tactic helped give their employees an engagement boost.

Labor Productivity or Efficiency. Is there a Difference?
Labor Productivity or Efficiency. Is there a Difference?

Labor contributes up to 10-15% of the cost to produce milk. The magnitude of the expense drives dairies to increase labor efficiency. However, labor efficiency does not equate to labor productivity.

A Hot Meal a Day Helps Their Employees Stay
A Hot Meal a Day Helps Their Employees Stay

One dairy’s unique approach to employee retention.

Improve Your Return on Time Investment
Improve Your Return on Time Investment

There is a direct correlation between solid meetings and return on time.

First Monarch Electric Autonomous Tractor Lands in the Midwest
First Monarch Electric Autonomous Tractor Lands in the Midwest

The University of Missouri became the first college to land an electric autonomous tractor, a tool that will drive teaching and research into the future.

Share your experiences with Congress’ Ag Labor Working Group
Share your experiences with Congress’ Ag Labor Working Group

The House Agriculture Committee’s Agricultural Labor Working Group has released an online survey. Feedback from farmers and employees is requested to provide insight into dairy’s significant workforce challenges.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words: When It Comes to Setting a Positive Culture on the Farm
Actions Speak Louder Than Words: When It Comes to Setting a Positive Culture on the Farm

When it comes to farm culture, actions speak louder than words. A leader’s influence sets the tone and establishing a good farm culture is not only essential, but also vital to retain employees.

Effective Ways to Make Employee Training More Engaging
Effective Ways to Make Employee Training More Engaging

Brett Barlass works hard to set a positive culture on his Hilmar, Calif. dairy. The long-term manager finds unique and fun ways to engage with his employees, making meetings more fun and effective.

John Phipps: Is There Really a Shortage of Truck Drivers?
John Phipps: Is There Really a Shortage of Truck Drivers?

In early 2022, a possible trucker shortage grabbed headlines, but John Phipps says even today, there isn't much hard data to substantiate that alarm.

Give Your Farm Employees the Boost They Need
Give Your Farm Employees the Boost They Need

Reshaping how we view training can give employees the boost they need. Producers should take a broader view to reenergize and empower the workforce.

Dairy Farm Employee Housing Lowers Turnover at Larson Acres
Dairy Farm Employee Housing Lowers Turnover at Larson Acres

Providing housing options for dairy farm employees at Larson Acres has taken the turnover rate from an already low 7% all the way down to less than 1%

Sustainable Teams Linked to Emotional Intelligence
Sustainable Teams Linked to Emotional Intelligence

Regardless of a dairy’s size, a balanced suite of leadership skills is necessary to manage and motivate team members for the sustainability of a dairy’s workforce.

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Now in Effect: New Permanent Heat Rules for Washington State Outdoor Workers

With the exclusion of firefighters and other personnel responding to emergencies, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is now issuing a permanent heat rule effective July 17 for outdoor workers.

On Strike: New Dairy Select Milk Employees Protesting Over Health Care Plan
On Strike: New Dairy Select Milk Employees Protesting Over Health Care Plan

Workers who help produce sour cream for brands, including Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Hello Fresh, have gone on strike. Teamsters Local 662 members at New Dairy Select Milk, a subsidiary of Borden Dairy are striking.

11 Ways to Practice Random Acts of Kindness on the Farm
11 Ways to Practice Random Acts of Kindness on the Farm

Don’t let day-to-day farm tasks stand in your way of showing some extra gratitude to your hardworking employees.

5 Traits All Great Farm Leaders Should Possess
5 Traits All Great Farm Leaders Should Possess

To boost employee retention, farms need leaders who can effectively inspire and guide others. The job often requires its leaders to possess a handful of characteristics not necessarily used on other areas of the farm.

Worries Mount for New York Farmers Dealing with Low Milk Prices and High Labor Costs
Worries Mount for New York Farmers Dealing with Low Milk Prices and High Labor Costs

An ongoing march to pay farm workers more continues to unfold in the state of New York as agriculture labor regulations have drastically changed. From farm owners to farm workers, this has all led to confusion.

What Makes a Good Farm Manager?
What Makes a Good Farm Manager?

There are three areas producers need to focus on to earn the title of “good farm manager,” according to Purdue University researchers.

Is Family the Most Important Part of Your Life? Prove It
Is Family the Most Important Part of Your Life? Prove It

Farming is getting far more complex, says Ted Matthews, director of Rural Minnesota Mental Health Support. Because of that, it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself.

Who Should You Hire?
Who Should You Hire?

Screen potential employees for these qualities.

Comp & Flex: What Really Matters
Comp & Flex: What Really Matters

Competing for talent is the most concerning human resource matter for agriculture and food employers, followed by recruiting difficulties.

How to Bring Skilled Employees to the Farm Using a Visa Program
How to Bring Skilled Employees to the Farm Using a Visa Program

As more dairies face labor challenges, the need for extra help on a farm is evident and Miguel Rangel, DVM, a past visa recipient, says that government-issued visas can help fulfill that labor need.

How to Reduce Turnover and Boost Morale on the Farm
How to Reduce Turnover and Boost Morale on the Farm

Follow this strategy to reduce turnover and increase morale on your farm team.

3 Tips to Make Hard Conversations with Employees Easier
3 Tips to Make Hard Conversations with Employees Easier

As the leader of your operation, having hard conversations with employees can sometimes be part of the job.

Easy Ways to Attract and Retain Workers on Your Farm
Easy Ways to Attract and Retain Workers on Your Farm

The challenge to attract and retain employees on U.S. dairy farms has been a constant struggle for the past few years. Farmers need to take a fresh look at how they put together a workforce to better attract employees.

Out-of-the-Box Tips to Attract and Retain Good Employees
Out-of-the-Box Tips to Attract and Retain Good Employees

Three farmers share what they have done to keep their good employees, including how they hired some unique employees that have become a good fit for their operations.

What’s Holding You Back from Utilizing the TN Visa Program to Grow Your Team?
What’s Holding You Back from Utilizing the TN Visa Program to Grow Your Team?

When it comes to hiring potential candidates from Mexico to come work on your farm, there are many things to consider before you make the move. Victor Ochoa of Swineworks answers big questions on producers’ minds.

California Dairy Family Suffers Big Heartache After Losing Three Long-Term Employees in a Car Accident
California Dairy Family Suffers Big Heartache After Losing Three Long-Term Employees in a Car Accident

On Valentine’s Day, Red Top Jerseys in El Nido, Calif., dairy team suffered an enormous loss, as the dairy lost three of its long-term employees in a tragic car accident. 

Acceleration of Autonomy
Acceleration of Autonomy

Feed and labor are the two biggest budget items for dairies. With the costs of both climbing, could autonomy be a possible solution for the labor shortage on dairy farms today? John Deere is planning on it.

How One Wisconsin Dairy Offers Rides for Their Employees and Builds a Positive Culture
How One Wisconsin Dairy Offers Rides for Their Employees and Builds a Positive Culture

In Wisconsin, Vir-Clar Farm has worked hard at building a positive, family-like culture on their Fond du Lac dairy, which includes implementing a ride-share program that is a win-win for their employees and the dairy.

More States Attempt to Manage Overtime Laws for Agricultural Employees
More States Attempt to Manage Overtime Laws for Agricultural Employees

More states are requiring overtime pay for ag employees. A recent USDA Ag Prices Report outlined that labor expenses were up 7.3.% compared to 2020 and is at a 20-year high.

Delegation: The Difference Between Owning and Doing
Delegation: The Difference Between Owning and Doing

Having employees take ownership and complete tasks is ultimately what managers seek in employees. Consider these tips to help boost your team's leadership.

Better Meetings in 8 Key Steps
Better Meetings in 8 Key Steps

Meetings are an inevitable element of business, but they can be a boon or a bore, depending on how they are run.

Employee Perks and Policies that Pay on the Farm
Employee Perks and Policies that Pay on the Farm

The first step to winning the war for workers is to keep your star employees happy. Here’s how three farmers retain and attract employees.  

Attract and Retain Farm Workers by Offering Housing
Attract and Retain Farm Workers by Offering Housing

One thing that farms can provide that can help attract and retain employees— housing. According to the National FARM program, dairies providing housing for their employees is a valuable benefit for farm workers.

Generating Reliable Farm Labor Will be Even More Essential Going Forward
Generating Reliable Farm Labor Will be Even More Essential Going Forward

A recent USDA Ag Prices Report outlined that labor expenses were up 7.3% compared to 2020. Ben Laine with Terrain says that it’s not about the cost of labor, it’s about the availability of reliable labor.

25 Questions to Ask Your Farm Employees in 2023
25 Questions to Ask Your Farm Employees in 2023

Letting an employee know how he or she is performing can encourage the employee to perform at a high level, and letting the employee know he or she has fallen short can help reinforce expectations.

Arizona Dairy Producer Talks Labor and Hiring Inmates
Arizona Dairy Producer Talks Labor and Hiring Inmates

Farmers are confronted with a long list of challenges and labor is one of the biggest concerns facing dairy. Arizona dairy farmer, Casey Dugan, recently spoke about labor and hiring inmates on AgriTalk.

5 Ag Career Trends You Need to Consider in 2023
5 Ag Career Trends You Need to Consider in 2023

There is no time like the start of a new year to take a pulse on your company’s compensation and HR practices to see if they are in line with the outlook and trends for 2023. Here are five things to consider.