DeWine signs Farm Bureau Health Plans bill into law
The goal will be for members to have access to these new health plan options as early as January 2026.
Read MoreGreat Lakes Agricultural Labor Services, LLC, is a full-service agent helping farms secure labor through the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program.
To assist farmers in need of additional employees, Ohio Farm Bureau partnered with Great Lakes Agricultural Labor Services, LLC, a full-service agent helping farms secure labor through the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program.
The H-2A program allows agricultural employers, who anticipate a shortage in workers, to hire temporary or seasonal foreign agricultural workers to fill the labor shortage gap when qualified U.S. workers are not available.
In 2022, GLALS worked with more than 80 farms throughout Michigan, Ohio and Indiana and brought in more than 2,100 workers to fill critical jobs in agriculture — a 400% increase compared to 2021.
“Many of our clients have told us the ability to access H-2A labor through GLALS has been critical in saving their family farm,” said Sarah Black, general manager of GLALS. “It’s often the last decision impacting whether they simply get out of farming or stay in business and be able to pass that farm on to the next generation.”
For those considering H-2A in 2023, it’s important to plan ahead. Employers should reach out to GLALS or an H-2A service provider to learn about how to use the program as well as its requirements, employer responsibility, costs and if the work qualifies for H-2A. Black recommends starting the process at least 120 days prior to when the help is needed.
“There is a lot of work that needs to be done in advance of filing an application,” Black said. “For example, not having housing or having housing that doesn’t meet the standards, is often the most common element that prevents farms from participating in the first year. This is a process that farmers who are interested in H-2A will want to start on now.”
For more information about the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program, call 517-679-4779 or email [email protected].
The goal will be for members to have access to these new health plan options as early as January 2026.
Read MoreOver the past 15 years, OFBF has been involved in over 60 civil cases in state and federal courts, as well as over 100 administrative cases before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Ohio Power Siting Board.
Read MoreOhio Farm Bureau offers several member-exclusive publications and tools to help keep farmers and landowners up to date on trends and market intel, providing members with a competitive advantage.
Read MoreEditor’s Note: Open enrollment closed May 23, 2025.
Read MoreFarmers’ physical and mental health are often compromised by lack of health coverage. Farm Bureau seeks to establish Farm Bureau Health Plans.
Read MoreOhio Farm Bureau offers several member exclusive publications and tools to help keep farmers and landowners up to date on trends and market intel, providing members with a competitive advantage.
Read MoreMike Videkovich can name a long list of the organization’s benefits, but there is one very tangible one that he said he’s bound to use almost every year.
Read MoreA few years back, I traveled to every county in the state and asked members directly: What do you want from YOUR Farm Bureau?
Read MoreIf you haven’t already, it’s time to join the growing list of members who wish they would have switched to the Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan sooner!
Read MoreOhio Farm Bureau’s newest resource for members seeks to help farmland owners navigate the many questions surrounding energy development.
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