Employment

Four people walk together in field
Historical farm labor data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Northern Plains Farm Labor Report for April 2024

June 11, 2024
The number of farm workers in Nebraska has remained unchanged since 2023.

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Two men smiling and walking side-by-side in field
The intake and onboarding process is a critical factor for employee success in the ag industry. A strong onboarding process has been shown to increase employee productivity by more than 70% and employee retention by 82%.

Farm and Ranch Employee Intake and Onboarding

May 2, 2024
Nebraska Extension Agricultural Economist Shannon Sand highlights strategies for the intake and onboarding process to help farm and ranch managers build the groundwork for employee success.

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Tractor planting field
Historical farm labor data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Northern Plains Farm Labor for 2023

November 30, 2023
The number of workers hired directly by farm operators on farms and ranches in the Northern Plains is down slightly from 2022, and wages are up across the board.

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Farmers shaking hands in field
To see if you qualify for USDA's new Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program, visit USDA.

USDA Launches Program to Address Workforce Challenges for Farmers, Ranchers

September 22, 2023
Ag employers can begin applying for a new pilot program that aims to help address workforce needs, promote a safe work environment, and support expansion of lawful migration pathways for workers.

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Combine harvesting corn with grain truck
Featured speakers in this webinar include Marcelo Castillo, USDA research economist, Brian Lisonbee, Lisonbee Immigration Law attorney/owner, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Elliott Dennis, UNL assistant professor and livestock economist.

Seasonal Labor and Immigration for Livestock and Crop Producers

September 22, 2023
For ag producers interested in hiring seasonal labor, this webinar focuses on the state of ag labor and historical use, an overview of visa requirements, procedures, compliance and employer obligations.

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Planting field

2022 Northern Plains Farm Labor Report

December 1, 2022
Northern Plains farm laborers are receiving higher wages in the region and the workforce remains stable compared to 2021, according to a recent report by USDA NASS.

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Tractor planting field

Northern Plains Farm Labor

May 26, 2022
In the Northern Plains Region in April, farm worker hires were down 6% compared to last year.

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Tractor in field

USDA NASS Northern Plains Farm Labor Report

December 2, 2021
In the Northern Plains Region, the number of hired workers employed by farm and ranch operators was up 15% during the month of October, compared to last year.

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