You are in the processing of hiring workers for the farm. But how well do you know your applicants?

Before you decide on the top candidate, Darla Campbell, University of Missouri Extension ag business specialist, says to conduct at least an informal background check.

It is important to know exactly who will be working daily around the farm and the family who lives there.

Campbell recommends using public records to identify potential issues, as well as social media sites. Below are a few places Missouri farmers can search before hiring an employee. They are free.

Case.net: The Missouri court system maintains the Case.net database, which shares case history from Missouri courts. Users can search cases for individuals at bit.ly/casenetbase. The site provides various information, from traffic violations to restraining orders.

Missouri Highway Patrol: The Missouri Highway Patrol maintains the statewide sex offender registry at bit.ly/MSHPsexoffenderregistry. Users can search the registry by name or location. If an employee is not from your state, check out similar state resources where they once resided.

Social media: Search popular sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. However, note that these sites only provide a snapshot of an individual’s life.

Digging deeper
Campbell recommends a formal background check (with applicant permission) if the position involves sensitive information or supervisory responsibilities; however, there is a fee.

She also says some farm managers may want to consider establishing a drug and alcohol testing policy that includes pre-employment and continuing employment testing. “Drug testing can be done on-site using a kit with quick results, or an external company with results in 1 to 3 days,” she notes. Costs per test typically run $45 to $75.

Make it legal
Another aspect of hiring is verification of eligibility. “U.S. citizens or authorized foreign citizens can work legally,” Campbell says.

Employers are required to validate employee identity and work authorization status through birth certificate, passport or green card records. The I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form is available online at uscis.gov/i-9.

Take the extra time to check out these resources to ensure your next hired hand is the right fit for your farming operation.