What It Takes to Attract New Workers to the Ag Sector [Opinion]
May 18, 2022 It’s amazing how many people I meet within the vegetable industry who say something along the lines of: I didn’t intend to work in this industry. But once I happened upon it, I didn’t want to leave.
We all know our industry has a lot to offer new people. It feels great when we hear people say this.
But I want to focus on the first part: I didn’t intend to work in ag. Why not? Why do so few consider ag as a career? Collectively we’re doing something wrong if the only people who want to enter the industry are our kids.
Springfield, MO-based Millsap Farm is making a concerted effort to teach teens and young adults what farming is all about. Curtis and Sarah Millsap want to create as many future farmers, Extension agents, and other vegetable industry people as they can, and it’s working. Many former young workers are in the industry, including their farm manager, who now holds a master’s in entomology.
Something they do stands out to me, however. The Millsaps not only try to train their young employees. They also encourage them to pause a moment and appreciate the day, to look around and recognize the beauty that surrounds them.
Most young people are idealistic. They want to contribute to something that matters. What matters more than feeding our nation? Throw in the sustainable efforts any grower uses and boosting the local economy, and we’re in the middle of many of the issues that they’re passionate about.
But that message isn’t reaching them.
Idealism isn’t enough to draw new blood to our industry. Farming is hard, dirty work. That reality drives off a lot of new recruits.
That’s why I really like what the Millsaps are doing. They’re screening applicants for work ethic and an understanding of what working outdoors all day really means. Curtis is up front about what they’re getting into. He sees no conflict between appealing to their idealism and giving them a reality check about farming.
Our American Vegetable Grower State of the Vegetable Industry survey results tell us that the majority of our industry is more than 55 years old. We need to build our future. Are you doing your part?
Oh, One More Thing
There’s more to recruiting workers than a great work environment. What benefits do you offer that will make their lives easier?
Here’s what you told us in our 2022 State of the Vegetable Industry survey.
- 68% — the percent of vegetable growers aged 55 or older
- 40% — the percent who are 65 or older
- 52% of growers offer full-time, year-round workers health insurance and paid time off
- 5% offer the same to full-time, seasonal workers
- 15% of growers offer education assistance to full-time, year-round workers
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