Labor
The “right people” is a hard thing to measure and it’s different for every farm. But here are some ideas.
A new legislative development is stirring discussions across Idaho, especially within the employment sector. House Bill 252, introduced in the Idaho Legislature, proposes a significant change in how employers verify their workforce’s legal status to work in the United States. This bill could have widespread implications across multiple industries in the state.
Investing in employee development is just as important as investing in equipment. By building a skilled and engaged workforce, farmers can boost efficiency, retention, and long-term success.
An increasing number of agricultural employers are offering a wellness program to employees, up to 71% from only 40% a couple of years ago.
Amid conversations about immigration and mass deportation, it’s vital to lay out some truths about labor in the dairy industry. Immigrants are not “cheap labor,” they are the backbone of America’s dairy farms.
As the dairy industry continues to evolve, the success of a farm doesn’t solely depend on the milk it produces or the technology it adopts. The human element, represented by every dedicated worker, holds immense potential to elevate operations if only given the recognition and investment they deserve.
Joaquin Vasquez’s authentic leadership earns him the Employee of Excellence Award.
Agriculture leaders emphasize the need for a stable, legal workforce as immigration policies affect the industry.
Employee performance evaluations are essential for fostering growth, aligning goals, and addressing areas for improvement. What questions will you ask your employees in 2025?
Nearly half of all farmworkers are undocumented, and industries such as dairy and meatpacking plants are especially vulnerable to labor shortages.
“What are you hearing out there? Are employers still hiring?” These are common questions posed to AgCareers.com.
A call to action for dairy owners: rethink management strategies and create a workplace that maximizes the return on investment by ensuring employees are contributing at their highest level.
New employees can cost 50% more than existing employees. This is due to the costs of training, uniforms and a general slump in production due to decreased productivity during the introductory period.
Take-home advice to boost your farm’s labor productivity
The sustainability of America’s dairy industry heavily hinges on a legal and dependable immigrant labor force.
Ag industry groups recognize the crucial role that immigrant workers play in the U.S. food system. They emphasize that these workers often take on physically demanding jobs that many American-born workers are unwilling to do.
Haven’t had to correct an employee on proper protocols lately? Then you should be very concerned.
Are you a player, a coach or a general manager when it comes to managing your operation?
The controversy over livestock distance regulation and its impact on Oregon dairies.
Creating a strong, positive culture within a team is essential for long-term success.
The average annual turnover rate for workers on U.S. dairies is nearly 40%.
Dairy farms need structured systems for managing employees, just as they have for other farm operations.
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.
These 10 steps can help keep your employees from walking away.
One dairy’s unique approach to employee retention.
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.
To stay competitive in the labor market, consider adding an attractive paid time off policy to your farm business to help keep you and employees happy.
The contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance is set to expire on Sept. 30. Negotiations between the two parties have stalled, raising concerns about a possible strike starting Oct. 1.
The place we are born can significantly shape our culture, behaviors, and how we view the world. In the ag industry, understanding and valuing cultural differences is vital for improving farm business culture and ensuring a well-trained workforce. As the demand for labor increases alongside the growth of dairy herds, addressing cultural barriers becomes increasingly important.