Farm Management Newsletter

Quarterly Publication of Ohio State University Extension

Summer 2002

By Robert D. Fleming, District Specialist Farm Management, Northwest District

Human Resource Management: A New Approach Several trends are quite clear in the broad area of farm management. More farms are using hired labor, family or non-family, regularly to accomplish their goals. Farm labor laws, while still retaining some exceptions are becoming more consistent with non-farm laws and regulations. Human resource management is important to the long-run success of the farm regardless of the size or type of farming operation. In response to the demonstrated need, a new organization was created in October 2001 known as Mid American Ag and Hort Services, Inc. From their first newsletter:

"What is MAAHS?

MAAHS is a unique consortium of associations, organizations and employers organized to meet the educational, regulatory compliance assistance and labor recruiting needs of agricultural and other employers in Ohio and Indiana. A board of trustees including six sponsor members and seven employer members oversees this nonprofit organization. An executive director manages day-to-day operations.

"Human resource management is important to the long-run success of the farm regardless of the size or type of farming operation."

Employer Membership

• Individuals, partnerships, corporations, organizations that employ other people and need services such as education, compliance assistance and labor recruiting are eligible for Employer Membership.
• Each Employer Member must be a member in good standing of at least one Sponsor Member. Terms of membership are spelled out in the Employer Member agreement."

The current sponsor members are:

• Ohio Farm Bureau
• Indiana Farm Bureau
• Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association
• Ohio Florist's Association
• Ohio Fruit Growers Society
• Ohio Vegetable and Potato Growers Association
• Ohio Landscapers Association

Understand the Organization

Vision—To improve the working and earnings environment for Mid American employers and workers involved in agriculture and other areas of employment.

Mission—To meet the human resource needs of member employers.

Goals—Improve labor management and compliance with federal and state laws and safety regulations. Improve working environment for MAAHS agricultural employers and workers.

Some methods:

• Provide current labor law materials.
• Develop Ohio-specific fact sheets and newsletters.
• Conduct training sessions as a part of on-going trade shows and annual meetings.
• Offer telephone consultations.
• Provide contacts for legal workers.
• Offer a range of services based on the type of membership.

Executive Director

The Executive Director is John Wargowsky. John is a graduate of The Ohio State University. He is a native of Marion County and currently resides in Delaware. Contact him at:

John Wargowsky
Executive Director, MAAHS
Two Nationwide Plaza
P. O. Box 479
Columbus, OH 43210-0479
Phone: (614) 677-4530
Fax: (614) 249-2200

Summary

Ohio is trying to maintain its competitive advantage in the fast-changing agri-business industry. There currently are comparable organizations that serve southern and western states. This member-driven organization, in cooperation with other organizations, governmental agencies, universities, and related groups, will provide information and services to its members.