Farm labor management experiences, successes and challenges

This session will offer a chance to hear from a range of farmers with different sizes and types of crews about their personal experiences managing workers.  Farmers will share their insights into what management strategies they have found to be effective, what challenges they have faced, and what lessons they have learned over the years of managing employees.  Panelists will include Amy Klippenstein of Sidehill Farm, Casey Steinberg of Old Friends Farm, Wally Czajkowski of Plainville Farm and Nathan Blehar of The Dirty Truth. Topics will include: How do you find workers who are a good fit for your farm? How do you delegate work to get things off your plate? How do you share farm responsibilities with family members and partners? How do you manage a crew with diverse cultural backgrounds, experience levels and abilities? How do you motivate workers and give them a sense of responsibility and investment in your farm? Attendees will be encouraged to share their own challenges and successes.

—

This is the last workshop of a six-workshop series on farm labor management, beginning 1/29/14 and ending 3/13/14. Click here to see the other upcoming workshops in this series. The series will help farmers understand the legal framework and financial implications of farm labor choices, and improve labor management strategies to build a stronger and more productive farm crew. Additional one-on-one support will be available to those who attend at least three workshops including the first session. Dinner will be served at each session. Cost to attend the series is $55 for Local Hero Members, or $12 each for individual workshops. The non-member fee is $75 for the series, or $15 each for individual workshops. Contact Kristen at 413-665-7100 x12 for more information or to register, or register below.