Paths to Sustainability with Farm Labor

Finding steady ground amid the daily demands of farming and ranching is tough, especially when it comes to labor.  While the agricultural community has developed numerous resources for environmental and economic sustainability, managing labor to support social sustainability remains a challenge. 

To bridge this gap, 70 educators gathered in Madison, Wisconsin, on October 15–16, 2025 for NCR-SARE’s 2025 Train-the-Trainer gathering, “Paths to Sustainability with Farm Labor.” Organized by Sarah Janes Ugoretz and Andy Larson, the event equipped extension agents and technical experts with practical tools to help farmers and ranchers attract, manage, and retain a skilled workforce.

Key Takeaways: Infrastructure, Economics, and Wellbeing
The two-day agenda was structured to move beyond theory to implementation.

Day One sessions focused on building a strong HR infrastructure and the importance of accurately calculating labor costs to reflect total expenses. Attendees gained real-world context through site visits to Door Creek Orchard and Larson Acres Dairy, which provided immediate, tangible context for the discussions. 

Day Two explored specific operational frameworks. Topics included navigating the complexities of the H-2A Visa Program and analyzing various farmer training and labor models. Crucially, the agenda addressed quality-of-life factors, with dedicated sessions on farmworker housing and mental and emotional well-being on the farm. An emphasis was also placed on physical health through a session on movement health for farm labor.

Worker Voices
A key element of the event was engaging directly with workers. A dedicated session allowed farmworkers to share their experiences and perspectives, giving educators valuable firsthand feedback. This session shaped the final lunch panel, where experienced workers reflected on earlier discussions and discussed important issues often overlooked but central to their daily lives. The event moved beyond just identifying problems to developing practical solutions. With insights from farmers, ranchers, and legal experts, participants left better prepared to foster work environments that support the long-term sustainability and success of agricultural businesses.

Event Resources

• The guide, "Farming into the Future by Centering Farmworkers," aims to support positive, long-term employment opportunities for workers on diversified vegetable farms. During a time when farm owners are asking how they can attract employees and build long-term working relationships with those individuals, Not Our Farm and the Fairshare CSA Coalition came together to take a look at four things employees have said they deeply value in a workplace: communication, work environment, opportunities for growth and advancement, and livable wages. Throughout the pages of this resource, you'll find concrete, action-oriented tips and examples.
• View the Paths to Sustainability with Farm Labor to learn more about the sessions and presenters.