Labor Series 2018

AgHelp streamlines labor recruiting, job availability

Where do specialty crop operations find their next workforce? And, how does that workforce find them? Feliciano Paredes envisioned a mobile platform designed to address the agricultural labor shortage with a holistic approach. With that... more »

Growers: Far too few workers

Conditions may be improving slightly for the fruit growing community, based on responses to a labor survey conducted by Fruit Growers News, but 40 percent of respondents still experienced severe worker shortages in 2017. Most... more »

For growers using H-2A labor, housing tops difficulties

Growers using the H-2A visa program for seasonal labor say it’s working, but among the program’s most difficult rules are its housing requirements. At a panel discussion at the Northwest Michigan Orchard and Vineyard Show... more »

Rotten eggs, steak knives add to labor’s hidden housing costs

When an apple growers think of the many ways decay and mold can cost them money, most wouldn’t put a rotten egg high on that list, but that is the reality created by the current... more »

Seeing eye to eye with inspectors

In establishing relationships with Department of Labor (DOL) investigators, there is a fine line between being cooperative and being walked on. That is the message shared by Ann Margaret Pointer, attorney with Fisher & Phillips... more »

Assert your farm’s rights in dealing with inspectors

Preparing for a visit from a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) investigator who arrives on a farm to conduct an audit is a tedious, yet absolutely essential process. Presentations made by attorneys Ann Margaret Pointer... more »

Economist: Farm operators scramble to secure labor

Editor's note: This is part of
 a series of stories examining agriculture labor issues in 2018. The agriculture community is being impacted by the four S's: satisfy, stretching, substitution and supplementing, according to an agriculture... more »

‭Perdue addresses legislative options for ag labor reform

However discouraged growers feel about ag labor policy, the country’s top agriculture official is upbeat about the future. During a Feb. 1 visit to Michigan, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue discussed legislative work that’s shaping... more »

Current Issue

FGN March 2024

Raspberry root rot, wilt threaten fruit in wet regions

Pest update: Efforts continue to control SWD, SLF

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