Good decision-making around the type and amount of labor needed on a farm enhances the farm household’s quality of life and increases the likelihood farmers will successfully meet their financial goals. This site provides tools and strategies to help small and medium-sized fruit and vegetable farms make informed labor decisions.

Events

  • Explore Farming Workshop

    | -

    Explore Farming is New Entry’s introductory workshop for those who are brand new to agriculture. If you dream of becoming a farm owner or getting involved in the food system, this workshop is a great place to start. You will get an overview of the agricultural landscape for small farms and tools to help you decide what your next steps are.

    Learn More

See All Events

Explore Resources

  • Know Your Rights with ICE and Border Patrol

    This two-pager provides guidance on what to do should ICE or Border Patrol come to your farm or stops your vehicle. Note: While the information in this resource has been reviewed by immigration attorneys, it should not be considered legal advice. For legal advice pertaining to your needs please consult with an attorney.

    Read More

  • Your Role as an Employee Manager

    Use this Assessing Personnel Management Skills checklist to consider the various aspects of being a successful human resources manager and identify areas to work on developing knowledge and skills. (Developed by Iowa State University Extension & Outreach)

    Read More

  • Fast Feedback Loop to Improve Performance (video)

    This 3-minute video shares a quick activity that can help build more productive and stronger farm work teams. The exercise can help improve how employees work together, their level of compassion for each other, and how you can be a better supervisor.

    Read More

  • Demystifying the H2A Program (article & podcast)

    The United States H-2A "guestworker" visa program allows farmers to hire workers from other countries to fill temporary/seasonal positions when local workers aren't available. Growing For Market has covered the H-2A program in both a 2021 online article and a 2023 podcast episode, offering first-hand perspectives and useful information to consider when deciding if the H-2A program could be a good fit for your operation.

    Read More

  • Payroll Taxes & Farm Businesses

    This FAQ-style resource helps farm businesses understand and manage payroll taxes. It covers topics such as Federal and State Unemployment Tax (FUTA and SUTA), the thresholds for paying these taxes, the costs involved, and the steps to comply with tax regulations. Author: Rachel Armstrong, Farm Commons. Last updated July 2024.

    Read More

See All Resources