For many farmers, winter brings a tough question: How to keep employees busy and justify their pay when there’s not much work to do?

I recently had this conversation with a customer right before Thanksgiving. With the ground freezing and outdoor work coming to a stop, he admitted that managing labor through the off-season has been a constant headache. After years of struggling to find reliable help, he’s decided to hire his first H-2A worker next season. While we’re still working out the details, he’s optimistic that this will solve not only his summer labor challenges but also make winter much easier to manage.

Navigating the H-2A program

H-2A employees are foreign workers brought in under a government program to fill seasonal farm labor needs. Many come from South Africa or Mexico, typically staying for 9 to 10 months. They return home between Thanksgiving and Christmas, then come back in early spring—perfectly matching the needs of a farming operation.

The program does come with hurdles like extra paperwork, housing requirements and upfront costs. But many farmers find the reliability and flexibility worth the effort. Planning ahead and asking for help can make it manageable.

How one farmer plans to use H-2A

Let’s call his operation XYZ Farms. This row crop farm, along with a small side business, needs four full-time employees during peak season. He currently has three long-time employees but has a lot of turn-over in the fourth role. After weighing his options, he decided to give the H-2A program a try. Here’s why:

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“Right now, I spend too much time making up work to keep people busy in the winter,” he told me. “I can’t wait to focus on what actually needs to get done instead.”

Using AI to manage winter maintenance

With fewer employees in the winter, he’s rethinking how to handle maintenance. In the past, his winter plan was a messy list on a whiteboard that constantly changed. Now, he’s starting to use simple artificial intelligence tools to prioritize and track tasks. These tools help him prioritize tasks and track progress.

Neither of us are AI experts, but we’re figuring it out step by step. I’m showing him how to use the tools, and he’s sharing practical insights to make sure the plans fit his operation.

Even small steps with technology can make planning easier. AI is already making a difference.

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Added benefits of efficiency

With fewer winter headaches, the farmer is also planning to spend more time growing his side business. This is key part a of his income strategy. Freeing his time will help him take it to the next level.

H-2A workers aren’t just for summer labor. They can help you solve labor problems year-round, especially during slower months. While the program has some challenges, the benefits often outweigh the extra effort.

If you’ve struggled with labor issues, it might be time to give the H-2A program a closer look. And if you’re curious about new ways to plan your winter work, even basic tools can help simplify the process.

Matt Boos is the founder of Agrigrowth Consulting, based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. With over 20 years of experience in agribusiness sales and management across seven states, Matt has gained deep insights into what drives the success of top-performing farms. He specializes in helping multi-generational farms grow strategically through peer group formation and facilitation, auxiliary business development, and succession planning.