Dr. Don Smith Farm Management Specialist Farm labor management involves getting and keeping quality farm labor. This means farmers must compete with non-farm employers for higher skilled workers. Remember, no two workers are alike. They differ in capabilities, work habits, attitudes, personality, ambitions, and willingness to accept responsibility. Likewise, each farm business unit is different in organization, management, and labor needs.
Money is a big consideration in labor management.
Most farm labor has been paid on a weekly or monthly basis for an unstated number of hours. Unwritten and unspecified hours are likely to promote employee dissatisfaction. Farm employers traditionally have provided fringe benefits in housing, utilities, meat, and other items from the farm while competing industrial packages likely include sick leave, paid vacation, medical insurance, and retirement. You may have to provide these incentives or at least help employees understand your benefits by placing cash values on rent, meat, and other items. Farmers should analyze incentive plans before trying one.