Upcoming Webinar: Understanding the H-2A Program for Ohio Farms

The labor needs of Ohio farms continue to evolve, and many producers are exploring new options to meet workforce demands. One of those options is the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program, which allows farms to hire seasonal labor from outside the United States.

The H-2A program is commonly used by labor-intensive farms such as fruit, vegetable, and nursery operations. However, it can also be an effective option for traditional row crop and livestock operations. This webinar will explain how the H-2A program works and discuss how it may be a good fit for row crop and livestock producers. The webinar will be hosted by OSU Extension Farm Office and the OSU Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics.

The online webinar will be held on Friday, September 12 at 10:00 am.  Free registration is available here: https://osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__s5bd8oKQ3K0vLiTYuqSug

What You’ll Learn

This educational session will provide an overview of the current state of agricultural labor and explain the key aspects of the H-2A program, including:

• What the H-2A program is and how it operates
• Practical steps for farms interested in applying
• The application process
• Why H-2A may be useful for farms that have not traditionally used guest workers

Featured Speakers

The webinar will feature a panel of experts, including:

• Margaret Jodlowski, Assistant Professor, Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics, The Ohio State University
• Jeff Lewis, Attorney, OSU Agricultural and Resource Law Program
• Robert Moore, Attorney, OSU Agricultural and Resource Law Program
• Representative from the U.S. Department of Labor

Together, they will share insights into how H-2A functions and answer questions about its potential role in Ohio’s farm workforce.

For more information or questions, contact Robert Moore (moore.301@osu.edu).