Latest News From Human Resources

“The single most important tool to predict peak performance is a very well-developed job description,” Dave Mitchell says.

It’s important the friends, family, and business professionals close to farmers are prepared and able to effectively communicate in a mental health crisis.

The acquisition is effective immediately and gives Huma the ownership rights to a suite of granular, humic-based fertilizers and soil conditioners.

With $20/hour minimum wage and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, Cory Broad shares how irrigation technologies can help farmers answer these challenges.

With an enterprise mindset, MKC walks with its farmer-customers.

The merger will be effective March 1, 2024.

From improved telehealth services to reimagined small-town hospitals, the National Rural Health Association is working to help folks in farm country tap into more and better medical care options.

For long-term success, farm leaders should regularly assess the landscape of their operation and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Farmers routinely handle high-dollar transactions — and the nature of the payments, often through unsecure methods, leaves them susceptible to foul play.

The availability of livestock workers was ranked as more limited than crop workers and finding long-term help seen as more difficult than temporary help due to the seasonal nature of the ag industry.

Gualdoni will play a key role in the implementation of AVG’s three-pronged plan to improve operating leverage and align people and processes with enhanced profit.

KFB will assist Alliance Ag and the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship in the administration of this program – which will provide training and technical instruction to those hired. 

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.

What would you do if employees left and took your customer base with them? Take your pick of 25 strategies to avoid it.

“There are some things that we've adopted over the years that really aren't particularly useful and I think in some cases even detrimental to our performance,” says Dave Mitchell.

Positive feedback is 1200x more effective than ignoring problems.

What if there was one tool to focus on using to achieve the best recruitment and retention?

What can organizations do to elevate their entire team’s performance? Dave Mitchell, Founder of The Leadership Difference, says the answer lies in your company’s culture.

Cash and essential healthcare products are being donated to aid relief efforts, the company reports.

“Most farms don’t have the time, capabilities, perspectives, resources or desire to do all the tasks it takes to run an operation," says Steve Kluemper, AgriStrategies LLC founder. "A lot of growers hire to fill gaps."

The Committee on Ag is looking to solve workforce issues with the formation of the Ag Labor Working Group. "Reforms are desperately needed to address this pressing issue," said Co-Chair Rick Crawford (R-Ar.).

It's hard to stay competitive in today's job market. Here are four reasons why employees are in the driver's seat in 2023.

Follow this strategy to reduce turnover and increase morale on your farm team.

Officials have been bracing for an influx of migrants when the authority lifts on Dec. 21. The Dept. of Homeland Security is projecting 14,000 migrants may then attempt to cross the U.S. southern border per day.

The president of the American Farm Bureau Federation weighs in on immigration reform and year-round work permits, Waters of the U.S. concerns and support for the new Climate-Smart Commodities Program.

There may never be a more important time to focus on the relationships with your employees.

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. 

2021 is known as the “Great Resignation,” says Twyla Stevens, director of human resources at the Carthage System.

Restaurants closing early. Sign after sign plastered along roadsides with businesses looking for help. The hiring issue is crippling everything from manufacturing to the restaurant industry today.

“We know rural areas are different from urban areas, people are more spread out, it's not always as easy to travel to one location that's close to everyone to get a vaccine," Dr. Murthy says.

Farm workers from South Africa will be allowed to travel to the United States under an exemption to the Jan. 25 travel ban imposed to control the spread of a new strain of the coronavirus.

Since we all react to crisis differently; it helps to understand employees’ and family members’ perspectives.

Learn how to avoid these frustrating and deal-breaking mistakes.

What has Becky Berger learned about creating a positive workplace for her relatives and others? Here are her key takeaways.

Short videos can showcase your work environment and attract top talent when included in job postings.

Every team has one. That employee who is not contributing his or her fair share. As the boss, you must coach this employee to be an all-star — or show them the door.

“This is about guiding the grower in the right direction,” says Worker Safety Lead, Lilly Reyes with GAR Bennett, LLC. “We want to reassure the grower and the employees that we will get through this together.”

Here are three imperative considerations for businesses with 1 to 499 employees.

The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives is sounding the alarm about restrictions on the movement of H-2A workers within Mexico in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ask any leader at Belstra Milling what their No. 1 asset is and the answer will be the same: our employees.

A 360-degree assessment can amplify your success as a CEO.

Analyze why employees leave your farm. Many times, their departures fall into these nine categories.

Shepherd has been developed by the team at Tycom, Inc. and has been part of the AgLaunch ag tech accelerator program.

Use this 30-day checklist as a framework for onboarding success.

Be an employer of choice in a transitional labor market

Goal setting can pay dividends in employee engagement.

Tired of losing good employees? Adopt these best practices.

There are three legs to the stool of running every organization.

Every family or business has a culture — one that is either created or allowed.

Recognize your team’s efforts in personalized ways.