The Scoop Podcast: How One Ag Retailer Found Success with H2-A Workers
As ag retailers report a tightening labor pool, many are seeking new outlets to find team members. In 2023, The Equity brought on 20 seasonal H2-A workers. They’ve found such success that they are more than doubling that in 2024. Learn more from Human Resources Manager Robin Brown.
How many employees does The Equity have?
We have 623 employees total of which 510 are full-time.
Being so large in agronomy, we have a huge seasonal
business in the fall and spring, so we rely on those seasonal employees to help us take care of the farmers.
How did you learn about the H-2A program?
We got turned on to the H-2A program by other cooperatives that were doing it. This was our first year, and it was very successful with 20 H-2A workers. We started the process of applying in the spring of 2022. It is a long process to apply and get everything completed. When we first sent in our application, it was an 11-week turnaround. And then as it progressed, it turned into a 17-week turnaround.
Who helped you through the process?
We worked with an immigration attorney because there are just so many things with the hoops that you’ve got to go through and laws that you have to know.
How did you prepare the H-2A workers?
Before they made the commitment to come here, we had a long conversation with every single H-2A employee of what the area was like, what they can expect with the weather, what they can expect with their positions and the hours they’re putting in. We explained what the housing was going to be. We sent them pictures of our equipment and our facilities. When they arrived, we had a week of training. We talked about what’s expected of them, what is not appropriate culturally. They went through the entire safety program from top to bottom.
What are your plans for H-2A workers as part of your team in 2024?
We have already sent in our application for 2024, and we are applying for about 48 employees. We extended an offer for all of our current H-2A employees to return, and they all accepted, so I thought that said a lot.
