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Five Steps to Formulate Workforce Contingency Plans in the COVID-19 Setting

Melissa O'Rourke (April, 2020)

Summary

As the coronavirus spreads to rural America, farms as well as other agricultural and rural employers must establish labor supply contingency plans. Rural businesses across the country have a wide range of labor needs. Such businesses may include farms, ag product and service providers, and other rural retail businesses. On many farms, all labor is performed by family members, while others have limited non-family employees, perhaps on a seasonal basis during planting and harvest operations. Livestock farm operations - including dairy, beef, swine, goats, sheep, poultry or other specialty livestock - tend to have more significant year-round labor requirements. Animals must be fed, watered, and otherwise cared-for whether or not those responsible for these duties become sick or must be quarantined. All farms and rural businesses must formulate or review labor contingency plans.