2005 Massey Ferguson 4445 with loader, shuttle-shift, 50HP, $ 700
Stallman, continued
for only a few days, to a dairy that needs a workforce 365 days of the year. The crux of Farm Bureau’ s plan is to establish and implement a new visa program that would give both employers and employees stability and flexibility into the future, while also addressing the current workforce that has contributed to our farms and communities. Both elements are necessary to provide a long-term, stable and legal workforce.
Building on how the domestic market currently operates, farmers would be permitted to offer migrant laborers either a contract or atwill work. Similarly, workers would be able to choose their form of employment. With a contract, both employers and workers would be provided longer-term stability and the worker could have a visa term of up to 12 months. On the other hand, the at-will option offers flexibility to employers who may just need a week’ s worth of harvesting, while allowing workers the portability to work at other seasonal jobs for up to 11 months. This program reflects real-life workforce challenges and provides both the flexibility and stability that domestic workers enjoy.
Just as important, the plan would allow key migrant workers – those who have been working in U. S. agriculture for a defined period, as well as
those who are in management and other key positions at a farm – the ability to stay in the U. S. and continue to work in the agriculture sector.
Eliminating Rigidity
Since its inception, the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program has been riddled with problems, creating more challenges than providing solutions. Because of the diverse special labor needs within farming, the program has been difficult for growers to use, is not even available to some sectors of agriculture like dairy and simply is not feasible in some parts of the country. Farm Bureau’ s plan would remedy many of H-2A’ s failings by offering real-world solutions that better meet both employers’ and workers’ needs. Over time, as farmers begin using the new visa program, we imagine H-2A will become obsolete.
A market-based, flexible agricultural worker program makes sense and is long overdue. It is important for workers, farmers and especially consumers that agricultural producers have access to a legal, stable workforce for the future. With all of agriculture working together, we are optimistic we can offer Congress a reasonable, practical, commonsense solution that works for growers while respecting the rights of workers. It is time to
move the discussion forward and find a solution that works for all farmers and ranchers.
2012 Balled & Burlapped Tree Sale
We’ re liquidating our balled and burlapped tree stock to make room for next year’ s inventory! Over 800 trees and shrubs available at discounted prices.
Crabapples 2” $ 20- $ 75 • Pears 2”- 5” $ 105 Weeping Willows 2” $ 80 • Dogwoods $ 15- $ 60
Many more great deals available. Please call or visit us online for complete details.
Mt. Zion Road, Fairmont, WV 304-366-6597 www. MtZionNursery. com
2005 Massey Ferguson 4445 with loader, shuttle-shift, 50HP, $ 700
( 304) 269-1134
City Barber & Tractor Sales
Choose and Cut your own tree! Dug trees and Pre-cut Fraser Fir. Open Nov. 23rd until Dec. 23rd. Enjoy comlimentary coffee, hot chocolate, candy & crafts!
304-366-6597 • www. mtzionnursery. com
SAWMILL EXCHANGE
North America’ s largest source of used portable sawmills and commercial sawmill equipment. Over 800 ads. Call for a free list or to sell your equipment. 800-459-2148
http:// www. sawmillexchange. com
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 25