farm labor

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].

My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

New and beginning farmers
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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