Labor was a limiting factor for producers in 2016, and it will likely not be better for this year, according to Michigan State University Extension educators.

Interpersonal skills can help with employee recruitment and retention. However, the circumstances and solutions to one person’s labor shortage may not work at another operation due to the business model, scale or personalities involved.

In response, MSU Extension is offering two ag labor meetings to address techniques that are helpful to make good employee management decisions, and to help highlight resources to expand the labor network. Experts from MSU, regional labor agencies, regulatory groups and a panel of growers who use H2A will help address some of these pressing issues. The two meetings will be:
March 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center, 3775 S. Reese Road, Frankenmuth
March 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cabela’s, 110 Cabela’s Blvd., Dundee

Registration is $20, or $30 for walk-ins. Lunch is included.