Labor
Smaller farms rely on principal operators; larger farms use hired labor
The U.S. agricultural workforce consists of a mixture of two groups of workers: (1) self-employed farm operators and their family members, referred to as “unpaid labor” because their remuneration comes out of farm profits rather... more »
NCAE Column: Farm families continue to go to work amid challenges
America’s farm and ranch families, like every other American family and families around the world, hope the battle against coronavirus is soon won. The horrible death and disruption bearing solemn witness to this scourge, must... more »
US Senate members eye how ag interests are protecting workers from COVID-19
Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts,and Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, sent letters July 6 to the largest food and beverage processors and farm operators requesting information on how they... more »
Organic Trade Association’s board backs sweeping farm workforce reform
The Board of Directors of the Organic Trade Association has voted unanimously to take strong action to support the health, safety and legal standing of the nation’s farmworkers, and called for more attention to be... more »
COVID-19 webinar series offered to agriculture by Western Growers
As California enters peak summer harvest season, there is increasing concern over the potential impact of COVID-19 on the agricultural workforce. To minimize the risks of disruption to our farms and food supply, the CDC... more »
Employer compliance with COVID-19 legal requirements forum topic
The third in a series of Penn State Extension grower forums on “Protecting Essential Agricultural Business Operations and Employee Health during COVID-19" will be held on July 9, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Brook Duer,... more »
Wearable tech reduces risks of workplace injuries in agriculture
The injury rate for agricultural workers is more than 40% higher than employees in other industries, which is why Western Growers Insurance Services designed the Connected Worker Program to help prevent injuries before they occur.... more »
Report: Coronavirus outbreaks tied to migrant farm workers in Michigan
Coronavirus outbreaks among migrant workers are contributing to an uptick in cases in Michigan, which experts blame on short growing seasons, crowded housing, tenuous income and mistrust of government. According to Bridge Magazine, in the... more »
