New Farm Bureau Benefit Helps With Workforce

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation now has an agreement with Great Lakes Ag Labor Service to offer a member benefit.

The company helps farmers utilize the federal H-2A Temporary Agricultural Employment of Foreign Workers program to bring in workers from other countries who have the necessary skills.

GLALS can now offer WFBF members assistance with application filing, worker recruitment, worker scheduling and virtual worker orientation and onboarding.

“The H-2A process can be complicated and overwhelming,” says WFBF President Brad Olson. “GLALS has experience and understanding working with seasonal agriculture workers. A sustainable workforce is imperative for a farm and Wisconsin Farm Bureau is excited to offer a benefit for our members to help fill those needs.”

The GLALS member benefit is based out of Michigan and is a trusted resource for farmers who need help navigating the H-2A labor filing and onboarding processes.

Several state Farm Bureaus, including Michigan, Texas, Ohio and Indiana, also partner with the company.

“GLALS is an affiliate company of Michigan Farm Bureau, started at the request and direction of our grassroots membership, with the sole purpose of helping our Farm Bureau members address growing workforce shortages,” says Sarah Black, general manager of GLALS and director of Business Operations for Michigan Farm Bureau. “We exist to serve our members and hopefully provide a crucial piece of the puzzle that helps sustain family farms moving forward.”

H-2A guest workers can work on any type and size of farm or ranch and perform a variety of seasonal jobs, such as weeding, pruning, picking, packing and grading. They can also help operate equipment for planting, harvesting or irrigating, as well as sorting, moving and caring for livestock.

Learn more: wfbf.com/benefits-membership/member-benefits/