CISA Winter Workshop: The Full Cycle of Farm Labor

In this workshop we will explore the steps in hiring, training and retaining farm employees, from drafting job descriptions and policies to record-keeping and exit interviews. We’ll share some decision-making tools to help farmers become employers. Participants will be introduced to available resources to make farm labor management less overwhelming. This workshop is ideal for those new to hiring and/or farm employers wanting to formalize their work crew; it will cover the important things to consider when hiring people to work on your farm.

Presenter: Mary Peabody, Extension Specialist – University of Vermont. Mary Peabody is a community economic development specialist with University of Vermont Extension. She also serves as the founding Program Director for the Women’s Ag Network (WAgN) and the UVM Extension New Farmer project. She started her career with UVM Extension in 1988. Her professional interests include the sustainability of rural communities, distance education using technology and issues pertaining to social/economic justice.

Please follow link to register.

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This workshop is part of the CISA Winter Workshop Series: Policies Practices, and People

Farmers and related business owners and operators, you are invited to participate in CISA’s seven-workshop series “Labor Management: Policies, Practices and People” beginning January 2018.

A well rounded farm operation needs to be a positive workplace that meets the needs and expectations of managers and employees. Addressing the issues of ethical management, staff retention, and effective communication and training tools, this series’ topics span the needs of multiple farm audiences. Whether you are new to farm employment or looking for advanced methods to improve staff management and workplace culture, these workshops will provide tools for a productive, healthy, and just workplace that improves farm operations. Examples in the workshops will be farm related, but the skills and methodology will be relevant to all businesses.

By participating in at least three workshops, you will be eligible to receive a one-on-one consultation to improve your staff management and operations.

The cost to attend the whole series is $75 for Local Hero Members or $15 for each individual workshop. The non-member cost is $95 for the series, or $18 for each individual workshop. Food will be provided at each session. If cost is a barrier to your participation, please feel free to contact Stevie to discuss options—we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. Scholarships may be available.

Contact Stevie Schafenacker via email or at (413) 665-7100, ext. 27 for more information.