Alan Warren | Ann Arbor News file

Decisions now, future uncertain

As spring approaches, Michigan farmers are dealing with an added level of uncertainty. Travel bans, talk of a border wall and other issues have raised questions about the about availability of migrant labor.

As they make decisions about the coming season, here are some of the things farmers are weighing, according to Bob Boehm, General Manager for Commodity, Farm & Industry Relations and Great Lakes Ag Labor Services with Michigan Farm Bureau.

Don't Edit

Courtesy MLive file

What are the obstacles facing farmers as they plan for the coming year?

The pressure to find an adequate labor supply is being felt in many agriculture sectors, as well as restaurant, hospitality, even skilled trades, Boehm said, "as we are reaping the long-term impacts of a diminished emphasis on technical training and a mentality that everyone must go to college for a successful future."

Don't Edit

Elizabeth Dodd |MLive file

Things the general population doesn't know about Michigan's farm labor situation.

.Michigan is the second most diverse state in terms of agriculture production, providing a wide array of fruit and vegetable crops, many of which rely on hand labor for planting, care throughout the season, harvesting, packing and processing.

Don't Edit

Martin Harrison | MLive file

Automation and mechanization

Automation/mechanization has been rapidly adopted in many segments of agriculture to reduce the need for labor and improve productivity per worker. However, there are bounds related to economics, technical feasibility, size of operation, length of season, variety of crops produced, higher value/demand for fresh market produce without bruises or blemishes, which all influence the move to mechanize.

Don't Edit

Katie Rausch | MLive file

It's a short season

Michigan's short season means very short windows for harvesting crops prior to weather impacts and therefore a need for a big influx of seasonal/temporary workers.

A growing general economy and overall low unemployment means a tightening labor market for all sectors, especially seasonal jobs.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Dave Raczkowski | MLive file

Foreign visa workers make $12.75/hour in Michigan

Foreign visa workers are only approved by the Department of Labor following a detailed process which proves the lack of available domestic workers; they must be paid at a minimum of the higher of the state or federal minimum wage, or the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR, a rate determined by US Department of Labor that is above a level that would cause harm to domestic workers). Currently the AEWR increased by 6.1 percent over last year to $12.75/hour in Michigan.

Don't Edit

In this file photo, freelance writer Bob Darrow picks apples alongside Goudencio Dolores at Dietrich & Sons Farms in Conklin. Darrow wanted to experience first-hand what it takes to be a fruit harvester. Area farmers are having trouble finding workers due to the physical demands the work requires.

Dave Raczkowski | MLive file

What are farmers in SW Michigan doing right now?

So, what are farmers in SW Michigan doing right now to deal with these uncertainties?

Don't Edit

Kendra Stanley | MLive file

Some are adopting the H-2A program.

Currently, under the H-2A program an employer must provide preference to any willing, able and qualified domestic applicant before and up to 50 percent of the employment period.

The challenge in reality is, often the domestic worker does not stay on to fulfill the need for the season, leaving the farmer shorthanded, and due to long lead times and costs within the program, unable to bring the worker back to complete the harvest.

Don't Edit

Lori Chapman | lchapma3@mlive.com

Other options

Other options to attract stable labor force include:

Increasing wages further

Updating housing

Considering bonus programs for employees who commit to stay throughout the season

Reaching out to past workers to gain a commitment for this year

Considering alternative sources of labor

Don't Edit

MLive file

Will farmers switch to less labor intensive crops?

When corn, soybean and wheat prices were much higher, we did see a move away from some vegetable production, but commodity prices have fallen making this option less attractive.

Farms that are set up as vegetable operations can’t just easily switch to field crops, given larger acreage needs for field crops, differences in soil types, equipment requirements, storage facilities, market channels and other considerations.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Mark Bugnaski | MLive file

What about mechanization?

The push continues towards more mechanization across all of agriculture. It’s the main reason for the ever increasing productivity of US Agriculture. Certainly in the row crop area, but also dairy with robotic milking units, blueberry and grape harvesters, automatic feeding systems for livestock, all across the board.

Don't Edit

MLive file

Can they plant less to hedge their bets?

Will they plant less to avoid input costs, just in case a field is left to rot for lack of pickers?Some vegetable growers will reduce acreage if they are concerned about labor. Keep in mind fruit comes from perennial plants that are long-term investments.

Don't Edit

MLive file photo

Can farmers claim losses if the crops rot in the field due to labor shortages?

No, the loss must be related to something deemed out of the farmers control, primarily weather related. Labor is a management issue.

Don't Edit

Mark Bugnaski | MLive file

Has there been an increase in participation in the H-2A visa program?

Yes, Boehm said. "Farmers have been driven to the only viable option available today, and Great Lakes Ag Labor Services is one company working with farmers and assisting them with the complex and costly process.

"We have seen in increase in the demand for our services," Boehm said, "and are staffing up to respond."

In 2014, a pilot program had four farms and 90 workers; in 2015, GLALS,LLC was formed with 10 farms and 400 workers; 2016: 21 farms and 720 workers; the 2017 plan is 35 farms and 1,225 workers, Boehm said.

Don't Edit

Rex Larsen | MLive file

How can farmers assure their workers are legal?

Everyone is required to complete an I-9 form to document worker eligibility. The form provides a list of documents the employee can provide and the employer must review and accept under a reasonable standard definition.

If employers demand certain documents, or question authenticity, the employer is subject to the threat of discrimination.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Emily Brouwer | MLive file

Read more about the problems farmers face

Don't Edit

Matt Durr | MLive file

The impact is far reaching

The impact of the farm labor shortage is not just impacting the farm. Without someone to physically pick that apple, blueberry, vegetable or whatever, the downstream processing and value-added economic impact is lost, according to Boehm.

Those multipliers go up significantly as raw products move from the farm to the processor, broker, restaurant, grocery store, farm market, export market and ultimately the consumer. But that wealth building chain and the benefits to the consumer of a safe, affordable, abundant, local domestic food source, originates at the farm.