LANCASTER, Mo. – There will be a free workshop on farm labor challenges 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Happy Hollow Farm in Jamestown.
The workshop is hosted by Missouri Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, Lincoln University and University of Missouri Extension.
Topics include farm labor realities on a diversified farm, improving efficiency, tools to calculate and manage labor costs, and the H-2A visa program, said Darla Campbell, MU Extension specialist in community development. There will also be a tour of Happy Hollow Farm.
An employer panel will discuss how to manage farm labor with various enterprises, Campbell said. Panelists and presenters will share resources, and participants will have networking opportunities.
“Agricultural production, processing and related industries are a cornerstone of the Midwest economy, particularly in rural communities,” she said. “Collectively known as agribusiness, these segments account for one in 10 private-sector jobs in Missouri’s nonmetropolitan counties.”
While agribusiness drives regional wealth, employers face significant workforce challenges that limit growth. In a recent analysis of businesses across eight Midwest states, including Missouri, 75% identified a shortage of skilled workers as the primary barrier to expanding employment, said Campbell.
“Global demand for food production and processing continues to rise, making labor a critical component to sustain and grow this economic sector,” said Ryan Milhollin, one of the workshop presenters and collaborator on MU’s farm labor educational resources.
Agribusinesses employ a larger share of entry-level workers: 47%, compared to the overall private sector share of 41%, creating opportunities for individuals without formal postsecondary education.
Midwest agricultural producers said farm labor (42%) and truck drivers (16%) were the hardest entry-level positions to fill. Among agriculture-related manufacturers, 46% said that production labor positions were the most difficult to hire.
According to the July 2025 Missouri Economy Indicators, foundational skills are a top concern, said Millhollin. Most Midwest agribusinesses surveyed (62%) noted difficulty finding workers who are reliable and ready to work. Around half said that problem-solving (51%) and communication (46%) skills were hard to find.
Together, these foundational competencies emerged as the top concern for agribusiness employers, a trend consistently reflected in broader workforce surveys. Almost half of agribusiness employers (44%) also reported difficulty finding workers with mechanical repair and maintenance skills. Given that many agribusiness jobs are concentrated in manufacturing and farm work, the demand for skilled labor to maintain and operate equipment is expected.
Details and registration. For more information, call Campbell at 660-457-3469.
–University of Missouri Extension