In 2014, the number of jobs posted for the agricultural sector was nearly 5,400 each month throughout the U.S. and Canada, with the largest number of posted jobs located in the Midwest region of the U.S.  But commodity prices have somewhat restricted the need to hire at last year’s pace. In this economy hiring the right candidates is even more essential.

How can companies secure a well-trained and efficient workforce?

Partnering with a firm such as Morris Bixby Group can help you attract, secure, and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive labor market. Our consultants understand the needs of the agriculture industry and the type of candidates you seek. Our recommendations include:

• Encourage top talent to come to you by building a reputation as an industry leader. Update your website to showcase recent initiatives and new projects that will attract innovators. Your online brand should reflect a dynamic, employee-oriented organization. Showcase existing staff in short video clips so that potential candidates can envision themselves working with skilled co-workers.

• Ensure hiring processes that are professional and efficient. Delays, inaccurate job descriptions, poor interviewing, and a failure to manage candidate expectations will put off the best applicants. Use a professional staffing firm for recruiting and screening processes. Doing so will minimize hiring risk and ensure compliance with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

• Know where to find the best employees. Build relationships with local universities; a valuable source of young professionals. Invite visitors to tour your workplace, visit organizations and give talks on new agricultural initiatives. Highlight your concern for safety, staff training, and professional development programs.

Reaching out to communities and building your online brand will boost your company reputation. Provide an employee-friendly work environment and advertise staff benefits on your website such as flexible work schedules, health benefits, leave and disability. Partner with Morris Bixby Group and attract the best employees; don’t lose them to competitors.