Oct 25, 2022

NCAE sets Ag Labor Forum agenda

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) has set the agenda for its 9th Annual Ag Labor Forum.

The forum will be Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at the M Resort near Las Vegas.

“This year’s event is shaping up to be a blockbuster filled with hot topics for agricultural employers,” said Michael Marsh, NCAE president and CEO. “We have stimulating speakers discussing timely topics for employers where attendees can receive continuing education credit from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).”

Attorneys, academics, agents, and representatives from federal agencies and foreign governments will be on hand to dive headfirst into labor issues facing U.S. agricultural employers. Recent litigation, rulemaking changes and reports on cutting-edge legislation affecting farm and ranch operations will be highlighted, as will compliance issues.

“Back, due to tremendous popular demand, is the NCAE’s Advocacy Bootcamp where ‘recruits’ learn to master the fundamentals of political advocacy in making their case to legislators, regulators and the public,” Marsh said. “The small group setting makes for a fun and stimulating dialogue as Bootcamp recruits learn how to effectively message positions.”

The Bootcamp starts the day before the ag labor forum, on Nov. 29. All available spaces have been filled, but the NCAE has started a waitlist.

Also featured this year are concurrent sessions highlighting not only ag employment issues such as the threats posed to farm and ranch families by union activists, the Migrant and Seasonal Ag Worker Protection Act, the H-2A program, and how to recruit and retain high quality employees. Experts will unpack new regulations coming from the Biden administration and others will analyze some of the economic trends in ag labor markets.

The first day will be topped off with a winetasting reception featuring premium Washington wines from Mercer Ranches.

“With all of the activity in the agricultural labor space this year ranging from State legislation to Federal litigation, new rules and systems for recruiting and hiring workers, this year’s Forum is an event not to miss,” Marsh said.

To check out the tentative agenda and to register, go to ncaeonline.org/events.