Lawmakers across the country have partnered with agriculture groups to develop farm labor programs and help veterans who need work and farmers who need helping hands. In Arkansas, farm groups have partnered with lawmakers to help furloughed or unemployed members of the military find on-the-farm jobs.
Arkansas Congressman Rick Crawford says that the two groups make a great pair.
“Typically, you know, your military veteran, National Guard, reserves, they typically have a strong work ethic and typically are trained, and may even possess the skill set that’s readily transferable to the farm,” he said.
Other states, like Illinois, have created websites for their state programs. Farmers can submit job postings on the website, while veterans can browse employment opportunities.
Rep. Mike Bost says that the coronavirus sparked the launch of the program, but he is optimistic it will last longer than the pandemic.
“This is a way to join the two of them together,” he said. “We’re hoping that this can be a valuable resource and continue not only now, dealing with COVID-19, but on into the future as well.”
Illinois and Arkansas are not the only states with this type of program. To see if your area has a similar effort available, check with your state Farm Bureau for more information.
To check out Arkansas’ Farm Bureau Facebook page, click HERE.
For more information on Illinois’ program, click HERE.
Kevin Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance joined us Tuesday to share his perspective on farm safety and risk management during fall harvest.
September 23, 2025 04:33 PM
·
U.S. produce growers face a structural disadvantage—cheaper imports driving down prices while rising labor costs squeeze margins. Without new policies or technology, profitability remains uncertain.
September 23, 2025 04:09 PM
·
UNL Animal Science Ph.D candidate Anna Kobza joined us on Tuesday’s
Market Day Report to share her agriculture story and tips for other producers hoping to share their ag stories online or with the media.
September 23, 2025 03:24 PM
·
RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the state of agribusiness and harvest progress across each region of the United States for the week of Monday, September 22, 2025.
September 22, 2025 10:21 AM
·
According to the National Council of Farmers Cooperatives (NCFC), President and CEO Chuck Conner says, there is only one other option besides addressing ag labor shortages.
September 18, 2025 01:10 PM
·
For rural communities, this shift could mean new housing options for farmworkers and young families priced out of metro markets.
September 18, 2025 11:37 AM
·
Missouri Cattle RanchHER Alda Owen joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to talk about the all-new episode of FarmHER + RanchHER, which premieres on Thursday, Sept. 19!
September 15, 2025 01:26 PM
·
Bottom line: Despite all the efforts advocates make, workers are still making less money.
September 12, 2025 01:33 PM
·
September 12, 2025 12:19 PM
·
