Labor
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.
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.
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.
Reshaping how we view training can give employees the boost they need. Producers should take a broader view to reenergize and empower the workforce.
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%
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.
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.
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.
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.
Don’t let day-to-day farm tasks stand in your way of showing some extra gratitude to your hardworking employees.
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.
There are three areas producers need to focus on to earn the title of “good farm manager,” according to Purdue University researchers.
As the leader of your operation, having hard conversations with employees can sometimes be part of the job.
Follow this strategy to reduce turnover and increase morale on your farm team.
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.
Competing for talent is the most concerning human resource matter for agriculture and food employers, followed by recruiting difficulties.
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.
One of the best ways to retain employees and create the most efficient team possible is to keep team members engaged
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Having employees take ownership and complete tasks is ultimately what managers seek in employees. Consider these tips to help boost your team’s leadership.
Meetings are an inevitable element of business, but they can be a boon or a bore, depending on how they are run.
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.
If you’re short on employees, you’re not alone. New forces are at work, and I don’t see them changing any time soon.