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