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Addressing labor challenges

Educators and agribusiness leaders are addressing the industry’s workforce challenges.

The commercial talent development leader with Corteva AgriScience says labor shortages in agriculture must be addressed.

If they’re not, Drew Ratterman says talent could become a limiting resource that prevents the industry from meeting the needs of the growing population.

“We can’t allow talent to become just as limiting to us,” he says. “I think it’s particularly important for the food and ag industry because we face so many constraints as it is, and we don’t need to make talent yet another constraint.”

Audio: Drew Ratterman, Corteva AgriScience

He says Corteva AgriScience has adopted best practices, including recruitment and training that leads to higher retention and productivity. 

Cathann Kress says the Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences is also working to solve labor challenges.

“Making sure that we have more opportunities for our students through internships to interact with industry and continuing to help employees as they are in their careers to retool or enhance their skills,” she says.

Audio: Cathann Kress, Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences

Kress says the school is also advocating on behalf of the industry to reach and attract students who haven’t thought about a career in food and agriculture.

Ratterman and Kress spoke to Brownfield at the Farm Foundation Forum in Columbus, Ohio.

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