I am writing to invite you or others from your business to participate in our managing labor risks project that was described on pages 8 and 9 of the October 2007 issue of AgFocus. The project is designed to help farm business owners identify, and implement changes to best position their businesses for success under labor uncertainty. Participation to date has not met targets. We remain flexible regarding adding new participants over the next several months of the project so that we can obtain our project targets.
Farm business owners have participated in two workshops to date. Highlights from the workshops follow.
1) Five types of labor risk or uncertainty were identified: a) the availability of labor; b) the quality, productivity and efficiency of labor; c) turnover and absenteeism; d) conflicts with and among employees; e) legal aspects. Fines and penalties resulting from labor regulations noncompliance.
Participants learned that labor uncertainty can involve more than those associated with immigrant labor, although these are high priority.
2) Farm business owners are making changes to position their businesses for success under labor uncertainty. Changes highlighted included: adoption of technology and mechanization -- capital for labor substitutions; changes in production practices; and changes in human resource management approaches. Specific examples included: mechanization in the fruit industry using platforms and bin trailers; rotary and robotic milking systems in the dairy industry; and a farm business owners’ trip to Mexico to better understand their immigrant employees and their culture.
3) The project, with its monthly meetings of small work groups from now through April 2008, is designed to help farm business owners identify and make changes to their businesses that will help them succeed under labor uncertainty. Study groups will follow a problem solving approach for continuous improvement, and apply best management practices for change. All project members are committed to working with the small groups in any direction decided upon by the group.

Upcoming educational opportunities include:
Small study groups: Groups meet monthly, beginning in January 2008, to identify types of labor risks of greatest concern, generate possible solutions that address the underlying causes of problems, select the best solutions, and then discuss implementation and control.
February 12, 2008: Becker Forum Topic on Ag Labor Uncertainty. The Becker Forum is not a specific opportunity under this project, but it will be a valuable complement to managing labor risk project activities.

If you want to participate in the project, please contact me for registration details. I welcome the opportunity to answer questions and discuss the project, including how your business might benefit from the project. Again, spaces for upcoming workshops and small work group participation are still available.

Thank you for considering this invitation to participate in the project.

Sincerely,
John Hanchar
Office Phone: (585) 658-3250 extension 112
Cellular Phone: (585) 233-9249
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