Combatting Agricultural Labor Issues in the Post-Pandemic Market
As the dust of the pandemic starts to settle, agriculture is one sector confronting significant labor challenges. From the dwindling appeal of farming as a career to issues surrounding succession in multi-generational farms and the seasonal nature of agricultural work, the industry faces a considerable workforce shortfall.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, a recent study projected 59,400 job openings annually from 2020 to 2025.
This article delves into how embracing automation and alternative farming practices can help mitigate these labor issues, securing the future of farming and food production.
Causes of the Labor Crunch
Labor shortages in agriculture can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which are unique to specific regions in the country. However, the following are some of the most significant factors affecting the current agricultural labor market.
Lack of Succession Planning on Multi-Generational Farms
Many farms are family-run businesses. When the original operators begin to age, they must create a succession plan for that business, whether it is to pass it on to their children or sell it to another buyer.
Lack of succession planning can lead to uncertainty for the farm workers and can lead to a decrease in morale. This lack of planning also often leads to job loss or disruption of services from the farm.
A Seasonal Operations Model and Dependence Upon Seasonal Workers
For many farmers, their operations are based on seasonal cycles. With this model, farmers may not have enough work available during certain times of the year to keep operations running smoothly.
Too many farms also depend on seasonal workers, and their availability can shift year-to-year. This leaves the farmers with a labor force that may not be consistent or reliable in their availability.
A Lack of Experienced Workers in the Industry
Fewer people are entering agricultural and farming jobs, and more and more children from farming families are seeking opportunities in other industries. According to a 2023 report by NPR, "a generational shift is contributing" to labor shortages on farms.
According to the National Agriculture Statistical Service's Farm Labor Survey (NASS FLS), as reported by the Daily Cardinal, There has been a 73% decline in self-employed and family farmworkers from 1950 to 2000. There has also been a 52% decline in the number of frame hands hired in the same period.
Some of the reduction in hiring can be attributed to automation. Many farms are operating using autonomous vehicles and increasingly sophisticated types of machinery. Still, these analyses suggest that fewer U.S. citizens are choosing farm work and immigration can't keep up with demand.
Strategies for Addressing Labor Shortages on Farms
Farmers can use various strategies to address the agricultural labor shortage. Recent technological innovations are even reducing the amount of labor required at some farming operations.
Here are some suggestions.
Explore Automated Equipment and Machinery
The advancement in agricultural technology provides exciting solutions addressing labor shortages on farms. Automated equipment and machinery, such as self-driving tractors, drones, automated irrigation systems, and robotic harvesters, can perform tasks that traditionally require manual labor.
This not only increases efficiency and productivity but also reduces the reliance on human labor.
These technologies are capable of performing tasks like planting, fertilizing, harvesting, and even packaging produce. By investing in such technologies, farmers can maintain productivity levels, even in the face of dwindling workforce numbers. Furthermore, automation can help mitigate the impact of seasonal labor fluctuations, providing consistent performance throughout the year.
Consider New Farming Alternatives
New, alternative farming practices can reduce the need for labor and help improve efficiency. Examples include vertical farming, urban agriculture, and indoor farming.
These techniques are not for everyone, as they require a significant upfront investment in technology and infrastructure. However, they can provide farmers with more control over their production process while allowing them to reduce labor costs.
Offer More Competitive Wages and Benefits
It comes at a cost, but improving wages and benefits can attract more workers to farms.
Farming is labor-intensive work, and the wages are often quite low compared to other industries. Offering competitive wages and benefits, such as healthcare plans, paid time off, retirement plans, and more can make agricultural jobs more appealing, especially to younger generations.
This approach may require farmers to find ways to cut costs elsewhere or increase the prices they charge for their goods. However, improving work conditions and compensation is crucial to creating a sustainable agricultural workforce in the long run.
Form Community Partnerships
Fostering partnerships with community organizations can be a creative and effective strategy to address labor shortages. These partnerships can establish a sustainable pipeline of workers invested in agriculture's long-term success.
Local educational institutions offer a robust pool of potential workers. Collaborative initiatives with high schools and colleges can expose students to the farming industry through internships and vocational programs.
These experiences not only provide practical skills but also illuminate a potential career path in agriculture.
Similarly, partnerships with nonprofits focused on job training and placement can create pathways for unemployed or underemployed individuals to enter the agricultural workforce. This approach benefits both the farm, through an increased labor pool, and the community, through job creation.
Finally, fostering relationships with local government entities can unlock additional resources and support. From grants and subsidies to workforce development programs, government partnerships can be a crucial component in a comprehensive strategy to combat labor shortages.
Advertise Open Positions Online
Workers are increasingly turning to online platforms to find employment, with some even willing to relocate to take advantage of competitive wages and benefits. Some platforms, such as FarmJobSearch, cater specifically to agricultural jobs.
Farmers should consider taking advantage of these platforms to maximize their hiring potential. This is especially true for farmers in rural areas that are not typically seen as employment hubs or may have difficulty attracting talent from larger cities.
Sponsor More Temporary Workers
If a sufficient number of local workers aren't available, farmers can sponsor immigrants from other countries so they can obtain work visas and work on the farm.
This is already a popular strategy—so popular that from 2018 to 2020, only about 30% of crop farmworkers were born in the U.S., according to the USDA.
Solve Your Labor Shortage
Solving the agricultural labor shortage will be a large, long-term project involving the participation of private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. However, farmers can take steps now to address their labor shortages, both in the short-term and the long-term.
If you'd like to learn more about how you can combat labor shortages in your farming operation, don't miss the Smart Harvesting Summit on cultivating precision, yield, and sustainability with farmer-driven innovation. It’s happening at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California from February 21 to 22, 2024.