Project Overview
Tennessee agricultural producers and agribusinesses
were invited to attend one of three one-day in-person labor management
workshops held in November 2023. The workshops
were designed to help producers and agribusinesses better understand labor
sourcing options and learn more about best practices for managing labor and
maintaining compliance. A total of 38 individuals
attended the in-person workshops, which included content experts from the U.S.
Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, Tennessee Department of Labor and
Workforce Development, Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, University of
Tennessee Extension, GAP Connections, and Labor Compliance Consultants.
Speakers presented information and materials on the
options for sourcing labor and costs, agricultural laws and regulations, best
practices for recordkeeping and complying with labor laws, communication
strategies between the employer and employee, importance of onboarding and
training, understanding requirements and best practices on providing housing
and transportation for the hired workforce, and understanding how to handle
workplace injuries and workers’ compensation considerations. Each participant took away a wealth of
information, knowledge, materials, and contacts to assist in the
decision-making process of hiring labor.
The highlight of each workshop was the Grower
Panel Discussion moderated by the University of Tennessee Extension and GAP
Connections. The panel included 3-4
growers/employers using different options for sourcing and hiring labor. Each panelist was asked to share their decision-making
process on deciding to hire labor, selecting the source and type of labor to
hire, financial analysis to decide to hire labor, and costs associated with
hiring labor. Panelists also shared how
hiring labor has benefited the operation, challenges faced, and advice/lessons
learned from hiring labor.
Number of Participants: 38
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
There are no educational materials available for this project.
REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.