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

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    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.

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.

  • Recruiting Employees: The importance of a good for employment application form

    A standard application form that collects the same information from all job applicants and clearly displays your farm name and contact information is an important part of presenting your operation in a professional manner. This template provides a good basis for your employment application form and allows you to customize with your farm name and logo.

  • Creating a Personnel Policy Manual

    A personnel policy manual insures that all employees are aware of the policies and expectations of your business. A manual enhances your professionalism, creates consistency in communications, and protects you from appearing arbitrary in your treatment of employees. Drafting this manual will provide you and your management team the opportunity to think through your policies in advance and create a pleasant, productive work environment.

  • 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)