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www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — MAY 13/MAY 20, 2022
Labor supply is focal point in GreenSeam State of Ag report ronmental regulations. Logistics, GreenSeam’s third annual State transportation and shipping saw of Agriculture Report is a result of the sharpest increase in negative a comprehensive survey of impacts to businesses — moving Minnesota’s agribusiness and relatfrom the sixth threat to the third. ed industries, along with a series of This is not surprising considering nine focus groups conducted in the the disrupted supply chain experifirst 50 days of the year. The report enced across all industries. reveals the perceptions and opinions on the economy and other During the pandemic, people major issues impacting businesses resigned, left the workforce, or TALENT IN THE GREENSEAM in the ag industry and places an changed the way they delivered emphasis on education, as well as work. As a result, 29 percent of By Shane Bowyer talent attraction and retention. The respondents said their business is State of Ag Report enables offering work from home and other GreenSeam to better understand, serve, and supflexible options to retain employees. Out of all surport the workplace, businesses, organizations and veyed businesses that have a wide range of employcommunities in our region. ee sizes, 22 percent now have 15 percent or more of The survey and focus groups dug deeper into what their employees working remotely. was having the biggest negative impact on busiWhen employees could turn to work from home or nesses growth in agriculture. The top issue was the flexible options, remote office support was brought lack of available talent, which was exasperated by in to help create a good work environment at home. retirees, fewer of the younger generation entering This could include office supplies or stipends that the industry and relocating to rural Minnesota, and would help create more productivity. ‘The Great Resignation’. The survey breaks down Retention bonuses are the third most common this result by business size. Regardless of the size, additional incentive. With employees leaving during securing talent is one of the top threats for a busi‘The Great Resignation’, a retention bonus as an ness’s growth. incentive is becoming common to not only think Part of the folklore of agriculture is dirty, physical about bringing on new employees but encouraging work: farm and tractors, pitchforks and hammers, great, existing employees to stay. cows and pigs, all of which fail to create a story that New ways of retaining and attracting employees appeals to the next generation. This overwhelming are being utilized as previously discussed and theme emerged in all the focus group discussions include flextime, remote office support and retention and the State of Ag Survey. bonuses. These are the top three from the survey Telling the real and exciting story of agriculture to results, but that doesn’t dismiss the additional include automation, computers, drones, good salaincentives. If you compare what organizations are ries and lifestyles, and ample opportunities needs to offering and what issues are threatening a business’ be shared. This will help attract, develop, and retain the next generation of workers and leaders throughout the food and ag value chain. Looking at the graph below. Talent is a top threat as well as policy and regulations continually having I am Michalia Cyphers, and I a negative impact on businesses. Challenges and am excited to say that my career concerns affecting the industry include: Proposition at GreenSeam started April 12, CDL/trucking, immigration, and water and envi2022. I thought I would end up in a higher education career. But, Which three of the following issues threaten when I saw the job post for your business’ ability to grow the most? GreenSeam and thought back to the time I saw a GreenSeam booth and the great times I had with my dad revolved around agriculture, it sparked an interest. When looking at the post, there was involvement with the GreenSeam Talent Committee and Branding and Promotion Committee. This excited me as I could be involved with marketing. Now, I learned the Talent Committee is involved with higher education and I am giddy. Who knew that there could be a career with a mix of agriculture, marketing, and higher education? Not me, until now. See CYPHERS, pg. 17
GreenSeam announces Program Manager Cyphers
In addition to common benefits (health, 401k etc.) does your organization offer any additional incentives?
ability to grow, you will see that they go hand in hand. This shows that businesses are aware and are making necessary changes to grow. In this third year of the State of Ag Report, there were many speed bumps and just as many opportunities. At the end of the day, our agriculture and food supply chain, as well as those who touched it, achieved our mission of ensuring wholesome food was stocked on the shelves, abundant fuels were available to propel our supply chain, and quality feed was available to nourish our animals. Overall, the ag ecosystem never stopped. In this report you will find both a summary and a list of items discussed at each focus group. The group insights and individual survey responses provide some answers; but have also piqued our interest to investigate further for solutions and utilize success stories to build case studies. This year, we added a few questions about what businesses are doing to retain talent. We also dove into the subject of the global workforce and asked what resources are needed to continue to support and expand businesses. In summary, the 2022 State of Ag Report captures the importance of our state’s talent shortage, our continued challenge with the regulation process, and highlights how businesses remain focused on growth despite unavoidable and unforeseen setbacks. GreenSeam will use this comprehensive report to guide programs and services this year — whether it be filling the gaps identified, or accelerating opportunities. The hope is the research and insights provided by this report will make a difference in business decisions and actions. The 2022 State of Ag report — as well as previous years’ reports — is available to view at Greenseam. org/survey. Talent in the GreenSeam focuses on developing talent and promoting careers in agriculture and food. Dr. Shane Bowyer is the Director of AgriBusiness and Food Innovation in the College of Business at Minnesota State University, Mankato and is on the GreenSeam Talent Committee. He can be reached at shane.bowyer@mnsu.edu. v
