Human resource management on the farm: Attracting, keeping, and motivating labor

Abstract

Current human resources management policies on Ontario swine farms were evaluated in terms of attracting, keeping, and motivating labor. A survey of swine farm employers and employees indicated that swine farm employees had lower wages, fewer benefits, and worked longer hours than their nonagricultural counterparts. Female employees were paid less than male employees even though there was no difference in other employment or educational characteristics. Employers indicated difficulty attracting employees, but their employee turnover rate was lower than in nonagricultural industries. No relationships were found between employer/farm characteristics and motivation proxies.