New Entry's Farm Labor Workshop Series
Workshop 1: Farm Labor 101 [Oct. 29, 2025]
Hiring and managing employees is one of the most challenging parts of running a growing farm business. In this workshop, Beth Holtzman of UVM Extension introduces the Farm Labor Dashboard, a free online suite of tools designed to help farmers improve their labor planning and management practices. Beth walks participants through key strategies for recruiting, training, and evaluating employees, helping farm owners set themselves and their teams up for long-term success. Then, hear from Andrew Lawson of Appleton Farm, who shares real-world insights on seasonal labor planning, staff hiring and training, and daily employee management.
View the Recording
Slides: Planning, Hiring, and Managing Employees at Appleton Farms, Andrew Lawson, Appleton Farms and Farm Labor Dashboard: Labor Management Tools and Resources, Beth Holtzmans, UVM.
Additional Resources:
- Farm Labor Dashboard
- The Farm Labor Dashboard Personnel Policy Generator
- Lewis Creek Farm Employee Handbook
- Mighty Food Farm Employee Handbook
Workshop 2: Crop Insurance, Safety Nets, and Employment at Red Fire Farm [Nov. 19, 2025]
About: Bailey Albert of USDA speaks about farm loan programs and Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). Jeff Cole of the Carrot Project discusses USDA programs from the perspective of a farm advisor. Ryan Voiland of Red Fire Farm talks about how he strategizes labor decisions on his farm.
Additional Resources:
- USDA FSA Service Center finder
- The Carrot Project Trainings & Webinars
- The Carrot Project newsletter sign-up
- FSA Educational Hub via FarmRiase
- FSA Loan Program (videos)
Workshop 3: Budgeting for Labor Costs
Learn about budgeting for farm labor costs with John Henderickson, creator of the Employee Cost Estimator, and Maria of MX Morningstar Farm!
Additional Resources:
- Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems
- MX Morningstar Farm
- Farm Labor Dashboard
- Payroll system examples (not endorsed):
Workshop 4: Farm Payroll 101
This workshop begins with an overview of payroll and wage law led by Holland & Knight, giving farmers a clear foundation in required documentation, compliance, and labor regulations. Participants then learn how to set up and manage a payroll system that fits their farm, including choosing software, handling taxes and deductions, and staying organized over time. The session concludes with a practical walkthrough from Jeff Benton of Orange Circle Farm, who shares how he manages payroll using spreadsheets and the strategies he uses to reduce errors and administrative burden.
Slides
- DIY Paryoll with Orange Circle Farm
- Key Employment Laws by Douglas R. Sweeney
Additional Resources:
- Doug Sweeney, Holland & Knight
- Orange Circle Farm
- Legal Food Hub winter webinar series
- Legal Food Hub Intake Form
- Legal Food Hub Resource Library
- Orange Circle Farm Payroll Spreadsheet Template
- PFML Overview from Mass.gov
- Isolved Payroll Services
- Electronic Federal Tax Payment System® tax payment service
- Making W2s
- New Employee Cheatsheet
Workshop 5: Farm Hiring Laws Made Simple
In this recorded workshop, we dive into the essentials of farm employment law as part of our Employment Series. Led by Farm Commons, a trusted national resource for legal education tailored specifically to farmers, this session breaks down the legal foundations you need to confidently hire and manage employees on your farm.
Slides
- Employent Law Basics by Farm Commons
- Exploring H-2A: Legal Obligations and Ethical Considerations by Farm Commons
Resources:
- Legal Food Hub Winter Webinar Series
- Farmer’s Guide to In-Kind Wages
- Farm Commons Resource Library
- Farm Commons Farm Law 101
- Internship Fact Sheet 71
- Employment Law course
- Employee Cost Estimator
Workshop 6: Farm Hiring Laws Made Simple
In this recorded workshop, we explore how to build a positive workplace culture as part of creating a productive, motivated, and resilient farm team. Designed for farmers at all stages, this session focuses on strengthening team dynamics, fostering inclusive and supportive work environments, and investing in employee development to improve satisfaction and retention. Speakers: Sarah Janes Ugoretz, University of Wisconsin–Extension and Anita Adalja, Not Our Farm
Slides
- Coming soon!
Resources:
- Coming soon!
Farm Employment Listservs
There are several listservs that allow farms and nonprofits to post for available positions. Click on the links below to subscribe to them.
- EMass CRAFT: Eastern MA farms post jobs and discuss other farm topics including equipment, regulations, service providers, events, and more.
- Comfood Jobs: National listserve for community food related jobs of all kinds.
- Boston Food Systems: Boston area food system jobs, events, and community discussions.
- New England Food: New England area food system jobs, events, and community discussions.
Farm Employment Websites
We would like to hear about your job searching experience went and receive your feedback on how we can improve this employment resources page or add additional farm employment resources! Contact Emily Round @ emily.round@tufts.edu.