Where to Find Farm Labor: 7 Tips and Tricks
From local grocery shops to nearby warehouses to the neighboring farm, help wanted signs are literally everywhere you turn. The growing issue of labor shortages has many dairy farmers asking, “Where can I find help?”
Farm Business Management Educator Stan Moore with Michigan State Extension first encourages asking current employees to spread the word.
“Make it easy for employees to share information about your farm and the position that is available,” he notes. “Also make sure you have both a hard and electronic copy in both English and Spanish available.”
Furthermore, Moore says a farmer could even incentivize current employees to tell job seekers about the opening.
“If an employee shares the position and that person stays with you for at least six months, provide a bonus to the employee who referred them.”
Other areas to look for farm help include:
- Look for newspapers and other media that you have never posted to before and reach out to them.
- Consider using your farm’s social media page. Inform interested individuals that you will only consider those that complete your on-line application.
- Develop an attractive web page that helps potential employees understand more about your farm and why they might be interested in working for you.
- Have business cards available to share with good employees that you see in your community. Have a brief statement on the back that shares your core values and that you’re always looking for good employees to join the farm.
- Utilize on-line job search companies, especially those that specialize in agriculture jobs.
- Connect with colleges and universities. Intern programs can lead to future longer-term employees and can fill the gap during summers and holidays.
- Connect with local high schools, especially those that have FFA chapters or ag classes.
If you receive many applicants, Moore recommended mini telephone interviews to thin out the group.
Moore stressed farmers should prepare for the interview, taking the process seriously and plan ahead. Keep in mind, that applicants are also interviewing you, as they have several options on where they can work.
“Good employees want to work for employers that are progressive, are interested in helping employees grow in their skills, treat their employees well and are making a difference in their community,” he shares. “Dairy farms have a lot to offer these employees.”
