AgChat on Immigration Reform
Note: The posts are read from top to bottom.
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agchat:
Guidelines for #agchat, 8-10pmET 1)intro w/ location & #ag interest 2)stay on topic 3)start responses w/ Q# 4)play nice, be professional
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agchat:
Welcome all, the doors are open for our convo on immigration reform this eve! #agchat
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cespenshade:
Hi all! I am multi-tasking tonight... have a Grange Teamspeak meeting at 9, have to get dinner on the table, but will try to follow. #agchat
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kmrivard:
Kelly Rivard from IL. I only have two more chats where I get to call myself an ag intern... :( #agchat
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AgriBlogger:
Chuck Zimmerman, Publisher, AgWired.com. Enjoying a Casillero Del Diablo Carmenere 2008. Excellent vintage from Chile. #agchat
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Cottonaggie:
AZ FB has a 3-legged focus: Secure border, reform temp worker visa program, deal w/ 11 million illegals already here. #agchat
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FairFoodFight:
Barth Anderson from Fair Food Fight in Minneapolis. Friend of farmers. - FYI to followers, I'll be lurking/responding tonight on #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
I grew up in AZ and still have family there ... does that count?
#agchat
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mpaynknoper:
Really hoping moderator clumsiness on new system doesn't slow down #agchat this eve. At least my tweetdeck & tweetchat look the same.
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RayLinDairy:
Ray a dairy farmer from central Central CA sitting in O'Hare Airport waiting to catch a plane to Orange County #agchat
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jlysne:
Josh from Minnesota. Mostly listening in tonight while I'm on my flight to Cali. #agchat
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AgriBlogger:
Hey moderator. Try moderating on an iPad. I might. Using mine now w/wireless keyboard. #agchat
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UddertechInc:
good evening everyone! Dairy farm in Lakeville, MN...will be in and out tonight till the kiddos are in bed! #agchat
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LPELC:
Jill Heemstra, Nebraska. Extension Educator & beef producer. Mother of 3 boys who will require most of my attention tonight.... #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
Hi all. It's Michele Payn-Knoper, professional #ag speaker in IN this MONTH. Live & love #farms, work interernationally. #agchat moderator.
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minnemom:
Linda, farmwife from southern Minnesota. Will be in and out tonight. #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Jan, writer/aggie/farm background, currently AL - this issue affects us all inall parts of the country #agchat
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JeffFowle:
Jeff from CA. Cattle, horses, hay & grain. Short dependable labor with strong work ethic in our area. #agchat
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Cottonaggie:
Julie Murphree Mkting & PR director for AZ Farm Bureau. Glad to join in on this topic tonight as we're in the thick of it in AZ. #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Hey. Janice here in Memphis. I do PR @ Monsanto, but if we're looking for immigration connects, lots of friends, lot of travel #agchat
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agchat:
Uh oh. Just got error messages from Tweetchat. I'm really not in the mood of this after techno transfer week! Twitter, play nice!
#agchat
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dodairydaily:
near 20 year career of working for dairy farmers, and mom with schedule demands tonight! #agchat
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UddertechInc:
@LPELC those darn kids-dont they know tonight in #agchat? i almost had hubby convinced to stick around n help-milk pump stopped :-(
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agchat:
@kmrivard MPK always glad to moderate a great community who knows how to have productive, professional dialogues. #agchat
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agchat:
@ComfyPaws Good to know your background. 5 more minutes of intros and networking, so please keep chatting. #agchat
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MJLsciencewrite:
I <3 that so many here make #food (I can't grow it) so I can eat it , feed it to my kids safely & also research/write it 4 living! #agchat
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Women4Ag:
Agri-Women TV show tonight 9pm EST on agritourism with Jane Eckert, Nancy Patterson, Brenda Renyer on InCountry TV #agchat #FB
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ComfyPaws:
@kmrivard hi sweetie - saw a tweet that mentioned you might have actual free time today ... how did that go? #agchat
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kmrivard:
@JeffFowle Is it warming up any out your way yet? I feel like you gave the cold weather to the rest of the country ;) #agchat
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iTweetMeat:
Good evening! Chris, Pennsylvania, work in meat plants all the time -- this topic will be very interesting to follow! #agchat
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kmrivard:
@ComfyPaws Free time equated to actual DINNER. I sat down and ate food that WASN'T cooked in the microwave. :) #agchat
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kmrivard:
@ComfyPaws Did. Caf had decent pasta tonight, and got to catch up with a friend that I don't see often. Thanks! #agchat
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courtneyhbeck:
Stopping by to say hi! Can't stay tonight but look forward to reading the transcript. Interesting topic for sure! #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Haven't been in #agchat for several weeks... wondering if I still have what it takes! LOL
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celestelaurent:
Taking photo class final, missing #agchat for last time this semester! I love photography as much as anyone but I want my Tues nights back!
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agchat:
Welcome all. Please continue the intros. Q1 will be up in a minute. Still accepting ?s on #immigration reform, please DM them. #agchat
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n_web:
Hey #agchat, hanging out at an AgBiz Club meeting, but wanted to say Hey.
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farmanddairy:
Will be floating between screens; trying to clean out in-box at same time as #agchat
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agchat:
Q1 (via @JeffFowle) What commodities require the most reliable work source? Are some producers worried about being short labor? #agchat
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drumanshoo:
twitter sign in was a little slow. sorry about that. Dru, from Denver. Eager to make new relationships and push the industry forward #agchat
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farmanddairy:
To our followers, we're participating in #agchat tonight, so ignore the Tweets, or join the conversation (8-10 ET)
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agchat:
@dodairydaily welcome. Yes, ?s are posed by moderator at this account, then others respond with Q# in advance of their comments. #agchat
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scrowell:
RT @agchat: Q1 What commodities require the most reliable work source? Are some producers worried about being short labor? #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
RT @agchat: Q1 What commodities require the most reliable work source? Are some producers worried about being short labor? #agchat
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agchat:
Q1 is now up. Please remember to respond with Q# in advance of your comments. #agchat
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agsalesman:
Q1: I worry every day about labor. I can have 250K in my apples-no labor, i'm out. #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
Q1 #Dairy always has labor shortage. Majority of Americans don't want to do manual labor required on farms & lack work ethic. #agchat
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RayLinDairy:
Q1 Most reliable would be the year round commodities such as dairies. #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Q1 I think things that have to be harvested fresh I think that's the toughest. Hard to get that window. #agchat
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agchat:
@Cottonaggie Thank you, but please use Q# in advance. This helps with archiving and the many who follow later. #agchat
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Cottonaggie:
Yuma, AZ requires 30,000 workers per day during winter lettuce harvest. Q1 #agchat
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JeffFowle:
Q1 In CA it's row crops & stone fruit. Moderate demand for dairies & some ranches as well. #agchat
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billiegirltoo:
observing and RTing today :) RT @agchat: Q1 is now up. Please remember to respond with Q# in advance of your comments. #agchat
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benlacross:
Q1 So many fruits and veggies require a mobile workforce that will move on to the next commodity when one in an area is complete #agchat
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agchat:
Excellent start to the chat - thanks for remember the Q1 before you comment - it keeps our archives in order. #agchat
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agsalesman:
Q1: Michigan is tough-lots of fruits&vegs grown, and we're the last labor stop #agchat
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agchat:
RT @benlacross: Q1 So many fruits & veggies require mobile workforce that will move on to next commodity when 1 in area is complete #agchat
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kmrivard:
Q1 I'd say a lot of specialty products call for it more than most. The sod farmers around here need a lot of labor. #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
@agsalesman Q1 That's an interesting statement since MI has such high unemployment. Better workforce in the economy now or not? #agchat
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kmrivard:
Q1 I think the amount of specialized machinery and their application in a given sect also influences the manual labor needed. #agchat
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jsamuelson56:
Q1 think it's looking like all commodities - if you need labor, you need reliable labor #agchat
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benlacross:
In MI, our workforce starts in asparagus right now, onto strawberries, then cherries, peaches, cukes, carrots, then apples #agchat
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agsalesman:
Q1: to MPK-We tried "white" labor-wouldn't and couldn't do the work. #agchat
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agchat:
Looks like we all have different answers about different needs - that never happens in #ag. LOL! #agchat
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Cottonaggie:
Q1 Greater effort to mechanize to reduce labor needs but still only so much can be done especially with certain crops. #agchat
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farmanddairy:
Q1 No matter what the commodity, if you can't find reliable help, even just one milker, you have a shortage. #agchat
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JeffFowle:
Q1 Having high quality, dependable & trustworthy labor force is essential for agriculture. #agchat
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kmrivard:
RT @Cottonaggie: Q1 Greater effort to mechanize 2 reduce labor needs but still only so much can be done especially w/ certain crops. #agchat
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agchat:
We'll take another minute on Q1 and then move on to Q2. #agchat
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agchat:
RT @JeffFowle: Q1 Having high quality, dependable & trustworthy labor force is essential for agriculture. #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
And therein lies the problem! Lazy Americans!!! RT @agsalesman: Q1: to MPK-We tried "white" labor-wouldn't and couldn't do the work. #agchat
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jsamuelson56:
RT@JeffFowle Q1 Having high quality, dependable & trustworthy labor force is essential for agriculture. #agchat
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cespenshade:
Q1: We have had kids show up for one day and the quit on my dad's farm. #agchat
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agsalesman:
Q1: skilled, quality migrant labor is a must. Apple picking is an art. You don't buy bruised apples #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Q1 the lazy Americans thing crosses lots of industries. Try finding people to put roofs on in July. #agchat
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clairecelsi:
Interesting conversation in #agchat tonight about need for farm laborers, especially people to pick fresh fruits & veggies & dairy workers.
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q1 many Americans not hungry enough yet; ability to be picky w/ options makes big difference #agchat
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EdwinaFarley:
Q1 The Australian Govt has just put up $200 mill for training for resources and mining - big shortages here #agchat
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JeffFowle:
@mpaynknoper Used to have great supply of hard working high school stdnts, but their work ethic has been lost w/ their parents. #agchat
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agchat:
Interesting! RT @EdwinaFarley: Q1 Australian Govt has just put up $200M for training for resources and mining - big shortages here #agchat
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ColorMeRed:
Q! - Canada brings in foreign laborers from many countries to harvest crops, pick fruit, etc. but it's done legally! #agchat
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cespenshade:
One thing people also forget is we need a specialized workforce. You can't just hire anyone off the street. #agchat
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dodairydaily:
@agchat Q2 lots of stories out there about farmers trying to hire non immigrant labor and keep them showing up but can't #agchat
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iTweetMeat:
Q2 Meat industry relies on non-migrants and many aren't hispanic - E. European, Somali, Vietnamese, many nationalities/ethnicities #agchat
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drumanshoo:
Q1 Maybe this robs another question, but I'm wondering how PC/internet technology plays into the labor question. Is it disconnected? #agchat
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kmrivard:
Q1 It's amazing to see loss of work ethic in youth. Big difference even in ppl just a few years younger than me. #agchat
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AgriBlogger:
Q2 Advertise or connect via social media for the "glamorous" life of a farm worker? Great pay, gorgeous views, commune w/nature! #agchat
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Cottonaggie:
Q2 Our Gov expert on this issue estimates labor force from Mexico with legal papers will probably not be available in 10 to 20 yrs. #agchat
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benlacross:
Q2 I've tried hiring locals lately and they've turned me down. They want a "cash" job to stay on unemployment, #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
I prefer no bruises RT @agsalesman: Q1: skilled, quality migrant labor is a must. Apple picking is an art. U dont buy bruised apples #agchat
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dodairydaily:
Q2 offering up my lazt 17 year old as free farm labor this summer...any takers? lol #agchat
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kmrivard:
TweetChat is already making me want to pull my hair. Missing tweets and error codes and confusion, oh me! #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q2 immigration isn't just Mexico - but tough to afford to go where jobs are too sometimes; & is specialized skills #agchat
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EdwinaFarley:
Q2 Aust trialed scheme using pacific islanders - despite worker shortage claims, few biz taken it up. Oz uses backpackers 4 harvest #agchat
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JeffFowle:
Q2 Fed Gov needs to make welfare less appealing & motivate Americans to get back to work! #agchat
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kmrivard:
Q2 High schoolers and college kids will work if desperate enough. Probably not as well, and can't year-round. #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Q2 I don't think there is an immediate reliable, productive workforce other than migrant laborers. #agchat
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iTweetMeat:
Q2 The who? - Immigrants, it seems. Legal ones... considering that the US is a nation of immigrants, would that be too much? #agchat
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agsalesman:
Q2: The spirit of the question is, if we close the border, than who does the work? #agchat
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kmrivard:
@roarfarms Hi Richard, glad you could join us! I hope you like your first time here. We just started on Q2. #agchat
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Cottonaggie:
Q2 Mom & Dad did not let us be lazy on the farm. Worked all the time. We had not choice. #agchat
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agchat:
@roarfarms Glad to see you and any other latecomers. We just launched Q2. Keep on using the Q# in advance of your responses! #agchat
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kmrivard:
@Cottonaggie Q2 I was 7 years old cleaning up cow poo...granted, no more cattle, but the appreciation of work is still here. #agchat
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iTweetMeat:
Q2 @agsalesman Border is only one entry point. Shipping containers, or that biiiiig border with Canada. If you build it ... #agchat
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benlacross:
So many of my migrant workers WANTS to work hard- that is so refreshing #agchat
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drumanshoo:
Q2: perhaps off topic again. Such a thing as a pick vacation? Hit a farm for some picking in exchange for some food thru the year??? #agchat
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kmrivard:
@ComfyPaws Q2 Good point. Regardless of whether or not legal immigrants can come in, there will always be some illegal ones. #agchat
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cespenshade:
Q2: I think it is a good point. We have a distain for the work. And some industries can not mechanize, hand work is the only way. #agchat
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UddertechInc:
Q2 I am so glad my kids will grow up doing hard, honest work-witnessing their family doing the same thing and appreciating it #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
Q2 At some point, society needs to realize that #food production can't be mechanized & employment in #ag is HUGE opportunity. #agchat
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JeffFowle:
Q2 Fed Gov also needs to get their act together on streamlining H2A program. #agchat
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roarfarms:
Q2 hard to find high school kinds do manual labor, pick rock, bale hay, anymore #agchat
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AgriLawyer:
Good evening everyone, Craig Ag and Food Attorney based out of Memphis checking in #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
Q2 And, we also need to teach children that an honest day's work in a field, vineyard, barn or orchard is an HONOR not an insult. #agchat
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AFBFMace:
Q2 People say we need 30 million more farmers on the land to fulfill the "vision." Where from? Can't even get farm workers now. #agchat
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MJLsciencewrite:
I may abandon ship here #agchat & #FAAW...( makes me sad cuz I don't want to watch DHs ESPN thingy) but all modes of tweeting are dying, no?
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NYFEA:
RT @cespenshade I think it is a good point. We have a disdain for the work. Some ind can not mechanize, hard work is the only way. #agchat
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agsalesman:
Q2: I wish ppl would see that ag is a valid career/employment oppertunity. #agchat
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agchat:
RT @mpaynknoper: Q2 We also need to teach children an honest day's work in a field, vineyard, barn or orchard is HONOR not insult. #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
RT @: Q2: I think it is a good point. We have a distain for work. And some industries can not mechanize, hand work is the only way. #agchat
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agchat:
RT @AFBFMace: Q2 People say we need 30M more farmers on the land to fulfill the "vision." Where from? Cant get farm workers now. #agchat
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billiegirltoo:
RT @mpaynknoper: Q2 And, we also need to teach children that an honest day's work in a field, vineyard, barn or orchard is an HONOR not an insult. #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
Q2 are americans too spoiled to do hard work? or do they think the pay isn't high enough? #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q2 many need to get lessons we got as teens; don't work doing something don't eat #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
RT @AFBFMace: Q2 People say need 30 mil more farmers on land 2 fulfill the "vision." Where from? Can't even get farm workers now. #agchat
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agchat:
So how do we change that? RT @agsalesman: Q2: I wish ppl would see that ag is a valid career/employment oppertunity. #agchat
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farmanddairy:
RT @: Q2 are americans too spoiled to do hard work? or do they think the pay isn't high enough? #agchat
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AgriBlogger:
Q2 I talked to farm owners overseas who are providing equity options to farm workers to help w/continuity and loyalty. #agchat
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agchat:
RT @cespenshade: Q2: It is a good point. We have a distain for work. And some industries can not mechanize, hand work is only way. #agchat
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JeffFowle:
RT @AFBFMace: Q2 We need 30 million more farmers 2 fulfill the "vision." Where from? Cant get farm workers now. #agchat
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cespenshade:
RT @agchat: So how do we change that? We get those employers talking about what they pay for a fair day's work. #agchat
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UddertechInc:
@ComfyPaws they feel manual labor is beneath them. reserved 4 the uneducated and low class-HELLO-ever met a dumb successful farmer? #agchat
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agchat:
@jlysne Glad to have you here, but please intro (if you haven't already) and use Q# in advance of your responses to help w/archives. #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q2 need more people to talk to about their aspect of ag #agchat have been trying to present articcles on ag careers -crickets :-(
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agsalesman:
@jlysne our farm mgr makes 60k+, my year-round hispanic workers (hourly) make around 40-42k yr, seasonal pickers 6-800/wk. #agchat
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samvance:
Q2 It's not that many American are lazy, it's that they are not used to, and would be horrible at, many of these jobs. #agchat
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drewbender:
Drew Bender from Marion, Ohio with production ag background checking in a little late. What is the question we are on currently?
#agchat
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kmrivard:
Hard work isn't just for uneducated. I know of 4 or 5 (maybe more) degree-holding farmers who have pulled all-nighters this week. #agchat
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AFBFMace:
Q2 As many of us know first-hand, farm work is often a hard, dirty job. No denying that fact. #agchat
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roarfarms:
Q2 same problem farmers have had for years. Product priced to cheap to support decent wage for laborers
#agchat
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JeffFowle:
RT @AFBFMace: Q2 As many of us know first-hand, farm work is often a hard, dirty job. No denying that fact. #agchat
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ColorMeRed:
RT @Serr8d There's room for migrant workers, yes, but they are a miniscule percentage of the flood of illegals we're experiencing. #agchat
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NYFarmer:
RT @ JeffFowle RT @AFBFMace: Q2 We need 30 million more farmers 2 fulfill the "vision." Where from? Cant get farm workers now. #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
RT @AgriBlogger: Q2 I talked to farm owners overseas who r providing equity options to farm workers to help w/continuity and loyalty #agchat
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UddertechInc:
@ComfyPaws yes, of course-didnt mean 2 imply farmers were feeling like that-its the unemployed american refusing to do a "lowly" job #agchat
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clairecelsi:
@JeffFowle Hello all! I'm a public relations strategist in Des Moines, IA, the heartland, baby! Thanks for allowing me to say hello! #agchat
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NYFEA:
RT @kmrivard Hard work isn't just for uneducated. I know of 4 or 5 degree-holding farmers who have pulled all-nighters this week. #agchat
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nel1jack:
#Q2 don't think spoiled. Just used to A/C and sitting down. The work migrants do usually involves neither #agchat
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agchat:
RT @roarfarms: Q2 same problem farmers have had for years. Product priced to cheap to support decent wage for laborers #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
RT @kmrivard: Hard work isnt just for uneducated I know of 4 or 5 degree-holding farmers who have pulled all-nighters this week. #agchat
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samvance:
Q2 The solution is either technological, which eliminates the small farmer, or economical, which eliminates the small farmer. #agchat
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cornfedfarmer:
Brandon from NE. Rained out of the field for a couple days. Waiting for election results to come in. #agchat
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cdsills:
@mpaynknoper Q2 We also need to teach children an honest days work in a field, vineyard, barn or orchard is an HONOR not an insult. #agchat
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agchat:
Q3 (via @MichaelHLau) How can we economically justify closed borders when consumers are not willing to pay for increased cost? #agchat
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AFBFMace:
Q2 Even when salaries are higher in ag than other jobs, labor force will select indoor, urban-setting jobs. #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q2 it is hard, dirty but people take easy jobs then go sweat working out in the gym #agchat
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JeffFowle:
Q2 My full time employee last year had more take home pay than I netted for the year. Similar cases around the state. #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Q3 Not sure there is an economic justification but security is something to consider. #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
RT @agchat: Q3 How can we economically justify closed borders when consumers are not willing to pay for increased cost? #agchat
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JeffFowle:
RT @AFBFMace: Q2 Even when salaries R higher in ag than other jobs, labor force will select indoor, urban-setting jobs. #agchat
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AFBFMace:
RT @JeffFowle: Q2 My full time employee last year had more take home pay than I netted for the year. Similar cases around the state. #agchat
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drumanshoo:
Q2 New ad campaign to change the mind of America: When did DIRT become a four-letter word? #agchat
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UddertechInc:
RT @NYFEA: Hard work isnt just 4 uneducated. I know of 4 or 5 degree-holding farmers who have pulled all-nighters this week. #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
Q3 and for ecomonics - 16.6 billion untaxed dollars went to Mexico last year - more than they make on oil exports #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
RT @JeffFowle: Q2 My full time employee last year had more take home pay than I netted for the year. Similar cases around the state. #agchat
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AgriBlogger:
Q3 We can justify for safety of American farmers/land owners. Huge problem with border crime. #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q3 maybe that needs to happen - no work no eat; harsh but will jolt some to reality & appreciation #agchat
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cespenshade:
Q2: We need to show the other benefits of farming (its a great workout plan.) And you get to enjoy nature. Beats a cubicle. #agchat
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kmrivard:
Q3 There's a high amount of existing immigrants, legal and otherwise. There'd be a "dead period" where much change wouldn't happen. #agchat
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ColorMeRed:
@agchat How do you justify the billions that illegals now costing Americans? AZ paid 1.3 Bil for illegals while Napolitano governor #agchat
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Cottonaggie:
AZ FB has a 3-legged stool: Secure border, reform the temp worker visa program, deal w/ 11 million illegals already here. #agchat
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agchat:
RT @AgriBlogger: Q3 We can justify for safety of American farmers/land owners. Huge problem with border crime. #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
Q2 migrant workers may be paid well but the $$ doesn't stay here, isn't invested in our communities and doesn't help our tax base #agchat
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kmrivard:
Q3 As far as the rise in food prices, many Americans would complain but wouldn't DO anything about it. #agchat
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UddertechInc:
Q3 well consumers r willing 2 pay more 4 organic, free range, hormone, AB free products, they should pay 4 good labor #agchat
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cespenshade:
Q3: The other challenge is how to we keep competitive in a global marketplace? #agchat
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AFBFMace:
RT @Cottonaggie: AZ FB has a 3-legged stool: Secure border, reform temp worker program, deal w/ 11 million illegals already here. #agchat
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samvance:
Q3 We need to start revealing the real cost of food and that means fair labor practices and removing price floors. #agchat
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drewbender:
RT @Cottonaggie: AZ FB has 3-legged stool: Secure border, reform the temp worker visa program, deal w/ 11 mil. illegals already here #agchat
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iTweetMeat:
Q3 The border (MX) isn't closing. Closed border to US (i.e. Cuba), and people still come. #agchat
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agchat:
RT @drumanshoo: Q2 New ad campaign to change the mind of America: When did DIRT become a four-letter word? #agchat
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AgriLawyer:
@kmrivard I agree to a degree, as many consumers gladly shell out $3 for a gallon of gas now compared to a few years ago #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
RT @Cottonaggie: AZ FB has a 3-legged stool: Secure border, reform temp worker program, deal w/ 11 million illegals already here. #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q3 border needs to be closed; not just Mexicans coming across -many other countries too including Muslim prayer rugs found in desert #agchat
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JeffFowle:
Q3 Not a choice. Borders must be shut down. Period. It's a matter of economic & national security. #agchat
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ColorMeRed:
RT @SlowMoneyFarm: Q3 border needs to be closed; not just Mexicans coming across -many other countries too including Muslim prayer rugs found in desert #agchat
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kmrivard:
@AgriLawyer Q3 Citizens can't necessarily reduce the price of gas, but there are plenty of people who could work fields ;) #agchat
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jordanmcraig:
Hi everyone, my name is Jordan Craig from AR. Sorry for coming in late, just getting home. #agchat
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agchat:
@Cottonaggie No problem, it's just we don't want your valuable response to go upstream, which is what happens if there's no Q# on em #agchat
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kmrivard:
The man's got a point. RT @JeffFowle: Q3 Not a choice. Borders must be shut down. Period. Its a matter of econ. & nat. security. #agchat
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AgriBlogger:
Q3 Immigration issues not about "dirt" but law, safety, fairness. Ag labor is one of the losers. #agchat
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cornfedfarmer:
Q3 You don't close it completely. Make sure we have a sound immigrant policy 2 allow ppl 2 come & work or seek citizenship. #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
that's great - but 16.6 b is a bunch RT @agsalesman actually, most of my workers stay here for other crops, and spend most here. #agchat
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MrBrownThumb:
@ComfyPaws Really? So, no money that migrant workers make is used to pay for retail taxes, rent, gas tax & everything else? #agchat
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samvance:
@ComfyPaws Common sense. They rent an apt, buy a car, buy grocieries, use the gas station, buy a tv/pc, etc #agchat
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agchat:
You all were doing SO Well in Q1 & Q2 on Q#s. Can you please, please continue that for Q3... #agchat
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roarfarms:
Q3, think of how much more $ the gvt would have if they enforced the fine for entering our country illegaly
#agchat
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AgriLawyer:
@kmrivard The technological trends in agriculture are drawing many to ag that did not have farm backgrounds, but I don't know how.. #agchat
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cespenshade:
Great convo all. Sorry I have to sign off. Look forward to reading the recap. #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
Q3 National security, awareness of #ag contribution to economy & educating about employment opps. Plus WORK ETHIC. #agchat
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kmrivard:
@AgriLawyer Q3 Tech trends are good, but many crops require specialized physical labor. Machines can't do everything. #agchat
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clairecelsi:
There has to be a way to allow documented guest workers into the country without endangering our country. #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q3 people assuming border issue is just illegal Mexicans don't see reality of it's really NOT! #agchat
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Cottonaggie:
Q3 On border in AZ, it’s the Wild West in the 21st Century but we know that a secure border works. Closed won't #agchat
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agchat:
We'll move on to Q4 in a couple of minutes. Great ideas, lots of new tweeps, loving the connections happening. Keep it up. #agchat
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JeffFowle:
Q3 Big Challenge: Close border SOLID! Ensure consistent & ample labor visas & ability to check backgrounds. #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
RT @clairecelsi: There has to be a way to allow documented guest workers into the country without endangering our country. #agchat
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AgriLawyer:
@kmrivard I understand many do, but the cost chain will decrease cost of labor somewhere down the line to lessen the price impact.Q3 #agchat
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AFBFMace:
RT @Cottonaggie: Q3 On border in AZ, it’s the Wild West in the 21st Century but we know that a secure border works. Closed wont #agchat
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kmrivard:
I wish :/ RT @clairecelsi: There has to be a way to allow documented guest workers into the country without endangering our country. #agchat
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roarfarms:
middle easterners have already used Mexico as an entry point into the US #agchat
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jsamuelson56:
Who will pay for admin RT @JeffFowle Q3 Close border SOLID! Ensure consistent & ample labor visas & ability to check backgrounds. #agchat
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agchat:
@ketelsen You're more than welcome to join in, just give us an intro. Immigration's a hot topic, you're right. #agchat
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benlacross:
Q3 increased cost of food production, but inability to harvest crops due to inadequate labor is the worst possible outcome #agchat
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ketelsen:
I think the road to shutting down the borders will be a slow hike up MtEverest. too many companies rely on these workers #agchat
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AgriLawyer:
@kmrivard Q3 However most Americans do not live in the large farm areas, its not just hard work, its a lifestyle due to location. #agchat
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agchat:
Q4 (via @MichaelHLau) Do costs associated w/illegals outweigh benefits of having illegals (costs of food, wine, hotel industries)? #agchat
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roarfarms:
@samvance, many americans are suited for farm labor, many are too lazy to do it. People have not changed in 200 yrs #agchat
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farmanddairy:
RT @BenLaCross: Q3 increased cost of food production, but inability to harvest crops due to inadequate labor is worst poss outcome #agchat
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farmanddairy:
RT @agchat: Q4 Do costs associated w/illegals outweigh benefits of having illegals (costs of food, wine, hotel industries)? #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
RT @agchat: Q4 Do costs associated w/illegals outweigh benefits of having illegals (costs of food, wine, hotel industries)? #agchat
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samvance:
@roarfarms I grew up on a hog farm w/ wood burning heat. I know work & I could barely do it. Many just aren't tough enough. #agchat
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kmrivard:
@JPlovesCOTTON I'm trying that "study hard" tactic. Planning on the whole "farm wife" thing might just cancel it out, though lol #agchat
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AgriBlogger:
Q4 Yes. Hard to put a price on human life when illegals kill citizens! #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Q4 There are certainly significant costs to go with illegal immigration. A better documented worker program would be beneficial #agchat
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hullmilk:
RT @JeffFowle Q3 Ensure consistent & ample labor visas & ability to check backgrounds. What is preventing ample visas? Any ideas? #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q4 I don't think anyone should have to work for less than a living wage; #agchat paying less to pay them less than needed no
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mpaynknoper:
@ketelsen Glad to have you here, thanks for intro. We just launched Q4. Would love your perspective from your side of biz. #agchat
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farmanddairy:
Q4 Doubt that benefits outweigh costs, particularly health care/education costs of generation born here to illegal parents #agchat
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ketelsen:
how do we really know what the costs are associated with the illegals? #agchat
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agsalesman:
Q4: you can't put a number on it either way. But we MUST have a workable guestworker program. #agchat
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ketelsen:
@mpaynknoper I can't get a white kid/man in our doors to work hard or half as hard as my Mexis (Mexis with documents) #agchat
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clairecelsi:
@roarfarms I don't know many people who would work 12 hour days doing backbreaking work, with no benefits for min. wage #agchat
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kmrivard:
@mpaynknoper Q3 I may be a computer geek but there's plenty days that scooping rabbit poo is a LOT more fun than the office. #agchat
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samvance:
Q4 No. They do use services, but that keeps demand for those services workers up & they pay sales taxes + consume goods. #agchat
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agchat:
RT @farmanddairy: Q4 Doubt benefits outweigh costs, particularly health care/ed costs of generation born here to illegal parents #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q4 illegal to enter means illegal while here; why not? But if we cross the border & do the same we pay for it #agchat
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MrBrownThumb:
@ColorMeRed "FAIR"? LMAO. Yeah, a hate group is the last place I'd go to as a source. Why not just tell me to look at KKK website #agchat
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roarfarms:
Q4, by making illegals pay their way, and take the load off our gvt, would level the playing field. CEOs would have to pay workers #agchat
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farmanddairy:
But defs. of "living wage" varies RT @: Q4 I don't think anyone should have to work for less than a living wage #agchat
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kmrivard:
Q3 I have back, hip, and knee problems. I'm 4'10" and asthmatic. I still feel that I'm suitable for many types of physical labor. #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
Q4 When we lived in CA in 1st job out of college w/no $, it bothered me to see illegals buying cigarettes, beer & tri tip w/my tax $ #agchat
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farmanddairy:
Off topic: Anyone know why RT in Twubs aren't showing orig. Tweeter's name? #agchat
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ketelsen:
I wonder if the culture of illegals is different here in Iowa vs there in CA? thoughts? #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Can we please all try to stay conversational, not confrontational? More is learned from convo. #agchat
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agchat:
RT @roarfarms: Q4 make illegals pay their way, and take load off gov, would level the playing field. CEOs would have to pay workers #agchat
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cornfedfarmer:
Q4 The costs definitely outweigh the benefits of illegal immigration. From id theft to the strain on the health industry. #agchat
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iTweetMeat:
Q4 No. I think it's part of the capitalistic system, provided the EMPLOYER does his/her part in paying what needs paid #agchat
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kmrivard:
@samvance See what I said regarding myself. Everyday folks need to learn how to man up and learn how to pull their weight. #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
RT @roarfarms: Q4, by making illegals pay their way & take the load off gvt, would level the playing field. have to pay workers #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
@ketelsen probably not. In reading on the topic I've found similarities in all states with an illegal population #agchat
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agchat:
RT @cornfedfarmer: Q4 Costs definitely outweigh the benefits of illegal immigration. From id theft to the strain on health industry. #agchat
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Cottonaggie:
Q4 A workable Guest Worker program is only solution to our lack of available labor in Ag. And we can also secure the border. #agchat
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samvance:
@kmrivard But that's the great thing abt our society, you can pursue work that plays to your strengths. #agchat
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agchat:
Great group this eve; lots of diverse perspectives from different sectors & at least 2 continents. This is what it's about! #agchat
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kmrivard:
@samvance So in a nutshell you're saying Americans are too fat, lazy, unathletic, and stubborn to be "suited" for farm work? YES. #agchat
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iTweetMeat:
Q4 Yes, they do. RT @benlacross: sorry, mechanization is not the only answer. many mechanized ag jobs take a mobile workforce #agchat
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agchat:
RT @Cottonaggie: Q4 Workable Guest Worker program is only solution to lack of available labor in Ag. And we can also secure border. #agchat
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AFBFMace:
RT @Cottonaggie: Q4 Workable Guest Worker program only solution to lack of available labor in Ag. And we can secure the border. #agchat
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roarfarms:
q4, it's not if we should close our borders. Its in our Constitution! #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q4 mechanization always prone to break down too at worst time; still need people watching over #agchat
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samvance:
Q4 What is the strain y'all keep talking abt? R there ambulances that are busy w/ illegal workers? Libraries run amuck? Pls explain #agchat
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agsalesman:
There is no such thing as a mechanical apple harvester. Never will be. #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
@ketelsen as far as drain on public services and increased crime rates - tons of info by googling the topic #agchat
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JeffFowle:
RT @agchat: Great group this eve; diverse perspectives from different sectors & at least 2 continents. This is what its about! #agchat
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kmrivard:
Would never match the gentle touch of a hand RT @agsalesman: There is no such thing as a mechanical apple harvester. Never will be. #agchat
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samvance:
@kmrivard I'm saying that if you hired 100 random Americans, you'd have to let a fair amount go due to not being able to keep up. #agchat
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AgriLawyer:
Q4: The cost of closing the border will come with a bigger lobby to change many ag exemptions to laws and more unionization. #agchat
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Porkchop1950:
Better late than never. Good evening from Colorful Colorado. Home of the guest worker program from years ago. Sugar Beets etc. #agchat
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agchat:
Couple more minutes on Q4 (keep using that before your responses), then we'll be off... #agchat
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ketelsen:
@ComfyPaws I may be green, but didn't think our Ia "Illegals" were much for illegal drama. shit they go 15 mi under the speed limit #agchat
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agchat:
RT @AgriLawyer: Q4: The cost of closing border will come w/bigger lobby to change many ag exemptions to laws & more unionization. #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
fruit harvest, many livestock chores too; much can be done w/ technology but not all #agchat Q4
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ketelsen:
RT @SlowMoneyFarm: q4 too many jobs in ag can't be done by machine #agchat takes boots on the ground----> and most white people won't do it
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roarfarms:
@samvance, strain equals foodstamps for 1. In the Farm bill human services/ gvt assistance are over 75% of the cost of the farm bill #agchat
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kmrivard:
Q4 I can think of several office workers who'd be more useful in the fields than they are in customer service, marketing, etc. #agchat
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samvance:
Q4 There WILL be an apple harvester if there is a need. Technological innovation will always provide. #agchat
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kmrivard:
@samvance That's the beauty of it; they're jobs that are easily learned. It takes a week to stop "sucking" at it. #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
RT @: @ComfyPaws I may be green, but didn't think our Ia "Illegals" were much 4 illegal drama. shit they go 15 mi under speed limit #agchat
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iTweetMeat:
RT @AgriLawyer: Q4: cost of closing the border will come w a bigger lobby 2 change many ag exemptions 2 laws and more unionization. #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
@ketelsen I think the southwest has bigger issues w/drug runners, human smugglers,gangs - kidnapping/murder in AZ is a big problem #agchat
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MarieB41:
@samvance we can hope but we need effeciancy and makes economic sense...not that i think labor is always economical to spend $ #agchat
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jsamuelson56:
Q4 Make no mistake. We have the lgst budget deficits ever. Our nat'l debt is highest ever. We are all a drain on gov't right now. #agchat
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UddertechInc:
RT @kmrivard: Q4 I can think of several office workers whod b more useful in the fields than they r in customer service, market,... #agchat
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agchat:
Q5 is now up, if we could have all the cats come on over to that dish... #agchat
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iTweetMeat:
Yes, there will RT @samvance: Q4 There WILL be an apple harvester if there is a need. Technological innovation will always provide. #agchat
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roarfarms:
@samvance, people better get to thinking on how to mechanize things then. Many people have tried 4 yrs and not come up w anything #agchat
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JeffFowle:
@agsalesman 4 fresh. Olive catcher reduces bruising & those that do get bruised get sorted. Time savings makes it economical. #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
Delta employees! RT @kmrivard: Q4 I can think of several office workers more useful in fields than in customer service, market,... #agchat
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McLerranMD:
Hi - here late - Coach's Pitch game tonight - From TN - Angus Beef Producer and MD
#agchat
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kmrivard:
Q5 I have no idea as to what goes on in Arizona. Illinois is confusing enough for me lol #agchat
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MarieB41:
Q5: We should that AZ immgrnts are legal and so it won't matter or the illegals will mind their Ps and Qs...
#agchat
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kmrivard:
Did not know you had fruit, Jeff. You're an agricultural renaissance man. #agchat
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agchat:
Did Twitter die or did it just get really quiet in here? #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q5 many illegals already telling media they'll leave - seems that's effective #agchat
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Porkchop1950:
@ketelsen 10/4 on that under the radar thing. I just thought they wanted to drive to Texas. That takes a long time too. #agchat
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McLerranMD:
Q5 AZ is in unique bargining position - they supply power to many western states - we will see
#agchat
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agchat:
@featherchick You are more than welcome. We don't do "party lines" here - it's about the convo. Professionally, of course. :) #agchat
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benlacross:
@samvance I would love to be able to have 1 machine out harvesting my apples instead of managing a large workforce, but not possible #agchat
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agsalesman:
@samvance there are "mech" apple harvesters-but you still have to hand pick. You can't duplicate the human wrist to remove the stem #agchat
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roarfarms:
farmers r some of the most crafty genius people on this earth. If they haven't been able to mechanize things, it likely can't b done #agchat
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Cottonaggie:
Q5 Fed Gov has left AZ high & dry. We're short workers now in the state but AZ aggies want to see our border secured. #agchat
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JeffFowle:
@BenLaCross I'm trying to tell you. There R a couple orchards w/ modified shakers w/ olive catchers that are showing promise. #agchat
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jsamuelson56:
Q5 Well, I think there are probably some farms in AZ at risk for loss of harvest or just plain closing up shop #agchat
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Porkchop1950:
Q5. When I was a kid, we lost the guest workers and then we went to better seed and mechanical thinners. Missed the cheap labor #agchat
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McLerranMD:
Q5 does the law in AZ just give the police the right to enforce what is already federal law? #agchat
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agchat:
RT @Cottonaggie: Q5 Fed Gov has left AZ high & dry. Were short workers now in the state but AZ aggies want to see our border secured #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q5 seems like a time for AZ ag to show what opportunities are there; proactive not reactive #agchat
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JeffFowle:
You talking to me? lol RT @kmrivard: Did not know you had fruit, Jeff. You're an agricultural renaissance man. #agchat
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agchat:
RT @McLerranMD: Q5 AZ is in unique bargining position - they supply power to many western states - we will see #agchat
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kmrivard:
Q5 I don't know about AZ but I know the specialty crops in IL would suffer greatly (herbs, pumpkins, gladiolus flowers, sod) #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
@ketelsen I don't recall if a guest worker program was shut down ... you mean by the patriot act after 9/11? #agchat
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agchat:
RT @jsamuelson56: Q5 Well, I think there are probably some farms in AZ at risk for loss of harvest or just plain closing up shop #agchat
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samvance:
@agsalesman Sir, we can now have satellites from outer space tell us exactly how much fertilizer to put in each part of a field, so #agchat
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AgriBlogger:
Q5 Arizona ag could benefit from enforcement of illegal alien laws. Safer environment for 1 thing. Might help w/worker recruitment. #agchat
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ketelsen:
so AZ lost their workers, do they not have people to work, or people that don't wanna do the work? #agchat
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Cottonaggie:
Q5 AZ has faced running gun battles on I8 and I10, murdered rancher, cops shot. It’s a war on the border. #agchat
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JeffFowle:
@agsalesman I'll see if I can shoot some this fall. They have one just south of me a couple hours. We're trying to build one here. #agchat
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ColorMeRed:
@MrBrownThumb Some have contributed, yes. But how many are on welfare or get paid under the table so they don't have to pay taxes? #agchat
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iTweetMeat:
Q5 Greater human trafficking? Undergound, black marketish-activities? #agchat
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agchat:
Another couple of minutes on Q5 and then we'll move on... #agchat
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ketelsen:
@ComfyPaws sometimes I think I kno what i'm talking abt..I recall there were tighter restrictions after 911 for immigrant workers #agchat
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agchat:
Really sad. RT @Cottonaggie: Q5 AZ has faced running gun battles on I8 and I10, murdered rancher, cops shot. It’s a war on border. #agchat
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samvance:
Q5 We'll see how many able bodied citizens we have in AZ. AZ farmers, start advertising for help. #agchat
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billiegirltoo:
It seems educating migrant workers through the process of obt. legal documentation would benefit, not hinder Q5 #agchat
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JeffFowle:
@kmrivard No problem :-) Have a few orchards in the valley that are trying to figure out mechanization. Culls are going to cider. #agchat
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ketelsen:
will the empire have to crumble in order to realign itself? #agchat
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McLerranMD:
@samvance I agree = I wish the teens and twentys could get out and work instead of sit and play games and text #agchat
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agchat:
Q6 via @BenLaCross How do we convey message to people that we must have a steady, mobile workforce to harvest perishable products? #agchat
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kmrivard:
@JeffFowle Someday, I'm taking a vacation on your ranch. It sounds more and more like a fairytale western getaway ;) #agchat
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Porkchop1950:
Q5, you would think that with 10% unemployment anything would be better than sitting even if you qualified for extended unemployment #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
RT @agchat: Q6 How do we convey message to people that we must have a steady, mobile workforce to harvest perishable products? #agchat
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ketelsen:
@dmann11 I do think wages are an issue...but it trickles out to where consumers will have to pay more. endless cycle #agchat
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McLerranMD:
Q6Social Media as a key to this endevor - people in America need to see true life stories of how much work goes into their food #agchat
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samvance:
Q6 advertise it as exercise for the youth. Valuable hands on experience and earn money at the same time. #agchat
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kmrivard:
Q6 Scare 'em. I know plenty of suburbanites that think their delicious fruit magically appears in the produce department. #agchat
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agchat:
RT @samvance: Q6 advertise it as exercise for the youth. Valuable hands on experience and earn money at the same time. #agchat
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roarfarms:
Q6, COOL I'd think would help, then raise price on product to reflect actual production cost #agchat
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samvance:
Q6 What about a Farm Corps? Youths join and work the land in the summer and fall and farmers have a network of help to select. #agchat
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AgriBlogger:
Q6 We're doing it here. Lots of farm groups sending out message. Seems like emotion is dominating national interest though. #agchat
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Cottonaggie:
Q6 We tell our story daily & regularly and we don't ever stop. And we teach Econ101 over again to Americans. #agchat
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AgriLawyer:
Q6 Monster.com with good pay and benefits, treat it like a trucking job which is interrelated with perishable commodities. #agchat
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kmrivard:
RT @Cottonaggie: Q6 We tell our story daily & regularly and we dont ever stop. And we teach Econ101 over again to Americans. #agchat
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agchat:
RT @Cottonaggie: Q6 We tell our story daily & regularly and we dont ever stop. And we teach Econ101 over again to Americans. #agchat
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jordanmcraig:
then ppl would stop buying RT @roarfarms: Q6 COOL Id think would help, then raise price on product to reflect actual production cost #agchat
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McLerranMD:
@Cottonaggie but we must stop just telling our story to ourselves and branch out and tell to people in America who may oppose us #agchat
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samvance:
@mpaynknoper Unless you are advocating slave labor, then they are the same for all intents & purposes. Can't make someone work. #agchat
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agchat:
RT @McLerranMD: Q6 SM as a key to this endevor - people in America need to see true life stories of how much work goes into food #agchat
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kmrivard:
Q6 Farmboy's mom once sent a thank you card to the farm listed on the container for her Ranier cherries once...just sayin' lol #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q6 detassling crews draw youth; seems still mixed results. #agchat also could do working 'vacations' but not all cut out 4that
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McLerranMD:
RT @benlacross: Its easy to point the finger and say "you shouldnt employ illegals" when we cant legally determine who is legal! #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q6 if people are hungry enough they will work; no options for welfare there's no choice #agchat
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AFBFMace:
RT @benlacross: Easy to point finger at employers and say "you shouldnt employ illegals" when cant legally determine who is legal! #agchat
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Cottonaggie:
Q6 Plus since Ag has celebrity status to some degree, take them to Yuma where 30,000 workers are needed daily and make our fans work #agchat
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agsalesman:
The fines are bigger for questioning fake paperwork than for hiring them with it. #agchat
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JeffFowle:
RT @benlacross: It's easy 2 point finger at employers & say "U shouldnt employ illegals" when we cant legally determine whose legal! #agchat
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samvance:
@mpaynknoper Doesn't matter if they are able bodied or unwilling, they still have to choose to work that type of job. #agchat
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kmrivard:
Q6 We can try as hard as we can to encourage folks to get out there and work, but it still comes down to disdain for labor. #agchat
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drewbender:
RT @benlacross: Its easy 2 point finger at employers & say "U shouldnt employ illegals" when we cant legally determine whose legal! #agchat
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ketelsen:
RT @kmrivard We can try as hard as we can to encourage folks to get out there and work, but it still comes down to disdain for labor #agchat
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kmrivard:
@samvance Q6 I feel like you're making excuses for the people who are unwilling to do demanding physical labor... #agchat
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McLerranMD:
RT @kmrivard: Q6 We can try as hard as we can 2 encourage folks 2 get out there &work, but it still comes down to disdain for labor. #agchat
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AgriLawyer:
Q6 I'm not as pessimistic about American's willingness to do hardwork as there are many spheres that hard work can be done. #agchat
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agsalesman:
@roarfarms: when your looking at a quarter million in apples in the field, you view changes. I can't just start the combine. #agchat
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benlacross:
all the law states is that the employee has to present documentation. We cant be in the law enforcemnt business too #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
@samvance Q6 Yes, people should be able to choose, but manual labor needs to be integrated as choice, not snubbed. #agchat
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dmann11:
the question is: How will police investigate crimes in the latino community when people are scared of being deported? #agchat?
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dmann11:
police depend on the community to report crimes, murders, rapes, violence. If theyre busy checking green cards, how can they? #agchat
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MJLsciencewrite:
#agchat tweeps: keep on truckin; these issues SO multifaceted & yet important to entire foodchain. thx for chance to listen in from burbs!
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agchat:
Couple more minutes on Q6, then we'll move on to Q7. Great job this evening; really enjoying the different perspectives. #agchat
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dmann11:
the USA has been saying one thing and allowing another with undoc. labor from S America. Easy way to bust unions #agchat
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girlmeetsfarm:
RT @kmrivard Q6 Farmboy's mom once sent a thank you card to the farm listed on the container for her cherries once just sayin' lol #agchat
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kmrivard:
Q6 As someone who's relied on welfare...the exploitation of the system and resentment towards hard work angers me to no end... #agchat
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billiegirltoo:
Speaking from experience. It is not as easy as many are implying to receive gov't assistance #agchat
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samvance:
@kmrivard I've wrestled hogs, shoveled manure, stacked straw, and hauled in firewood since 5th grade. I was the family mule. #agchat
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AFBFMace:
Q6 Even with attractive wages, statistics show that workers choose lesser paying jobs over farm labor jobs. #agchat
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Cottonaggie:
RT @AFBFMace: Q6 Even with attractive wages, statistics show that workers choose lesser paying jobs over farm labor jobs. #agchat
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ColorMeRed:
@agchat Obviously...the "system" is broken! Years ago there was never a problem in recruiting "hired hands" and day laborers in US #agchat
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jsamuelson56:
Need to be able to charge a price & have some1 pay- unrealistic RT @AgriLawyer Q6: If you pay and provide benefits, they will come. #agchat
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dmann11:
but will we pay 7 dollars for lettuce? 8 for grapes? 11 for oranges? etc? #agchat
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Porkchop1950:
Q6, if you collected 325 on unemployment, catching food stamps, subs housing. Q, would you work for 10 an hour for 40. Thats the ? #agchat
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jordanmcraig:
RT @AFBFMace: Q6 Even with attractive wages, statistics show that workers choose lesser paying jobs over farm labor jobs. #agchat
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kmrivard:
@samvance Q6 If you understand what it's like to be the "mule" then I don't get how you think everyday people should be exempt. #agchat
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_sistahsweet_:
I don't see many Americans doing farm labor unless they own the farm. I don't think it's about laziness, it's about options #agchat
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roarfarms:
I wonder if assistance is easier to get in different areas of the country, say Detroit compared to small town USA? #agchat
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agchat:
Q7 How do we fault companies for hiring immigrants when it reduces cost & gov doesn't address fines accordingly to illegals? #agchat
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girlmeetsfarm:
Q6 I think that agriculture needs to be more of a career path right from a junior school level. #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q6 welfre shouldn't be an employment in itself #agchat Hand up not hand out; 30s-40s grandmother helped some
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farmanddairy:
RT @agchat: Q7 How do we fault companies for hiring immigrants when it reduces cost & gov doesn't address fines accordingly to illegals? #agchat
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ketelsen:
Q6 we pay and provide benefits and yet no one comes..and when they do they can't hack it. #agchat
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McLerranMD:
@dmann11 but do you think the farmer should pay retail for their products to grow it and wholesale to sell it? #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
RT @agchat: Q7 How do we fault comp for hiring immigrants when it reduces cost & gov doesn't address fines accordingly to illegals? #agchat
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AgriLawyer:
Q6 I have seen people try to get on the system as well, I was a collections lawyer - saw plenty that busted their tail as well. #agchat
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dmann11:
We can't fault companies for doing what they do, cut costs, make more money. If there's no real penalty, its good business #agchat
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samvance:
@kmrivard I don't think ppl should be exempt. I never said that. All work is a choice & that choice is often based on ability #agchat
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kmrivard:
Q7 It's a vicious cycle. As long as there are people to do the work, Americans won't. As long as American's won't do the job (cont) #agchat
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kmrivard:
Q7 ...as long as Americans won't do the job, companies will need migrant workers. #agchat
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MrBrownThumb:
I thought the myth of the "Welfare Queen" died w/the Reagan Era. Were you people alive during the Welfare Reform act of '96? #agchat
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jsamuelson56:
RT @AFBFMace Q6 Even with attractive wages, statistics show that workers choose lesser paying jobs over farm labor jobs. #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Q7 There are significant penalties that can come with hiring illegals. Few do it purposely, more may turn blind-eye is my bet #agchat
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kmrivard:
@samvance I'm not talking about ability...I'm talking about willingness. Only a small minority of people are really unable. #agchat
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ketelsen:
you're kicking it tonight sista! RT @kmrivard: Q7 ...as long as Americans won't do the job, companies will need migrant workers. #agchat
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MarieB41:
Q7 It's a catch-22...As a business you understand the cheap labor as a US Citizen you understand the outrage of illegals
#agchat
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_sistahsweet_:
Q6 There is such a disconnect between the farm and the plate that it doesn't register that someone has to pick our food. #agchat
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samvance:
Q7 THIS is the real way to handle illegal immigration! You put the hammer down on co's that hire undocumented workers. ex Koch Foods #agchat
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ksfarmboy:
Q7 It's hard to find ppl to do some tedious hand work. The whole immigration process needs an overhaul. #agchat
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McLerranMD:
Good night all - came late - great topic - but 2 year old needs sleep #agchat
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FairFoodFight:
@kmrivard Desire for equal pay and bennies are a bigger factor than laziness. Who doesn't want good compensation for their work? #agchat
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ksfarmboy:
Q7 I've had conversations with ppl working here on work permits and getting citizenship. Long drawn out process. #agchat
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roarfarms:
Q7, my vote is for government assistance for employers to wean themselves off undocumented workers, set the limit at 24 months #agchat
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MarieB41:
I honestly think a lot of businesses would help workers become legal if the illegals approached them... #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
ya know, one of my favorite things about #agchat is that people aren't snarky + treat each other w/respect even with oppsoing views #agchat
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samvance:
Q7 Koch Foods had a half million $ fine and was required to replace their HR MGR. #agchat
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roarfarms:
Q7, continued. Its a place to start. We need to start somewhere #agchat
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MarieB41:
Q7: I honestly think a lot of businesses would help workers become legal if the illegals approached them... #agchat #agchat
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ketelsen:
@dmann11 yeah..but sometimes it comes back...later...that this social security number has been used by someone else #agchat
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ksfarmboy:
Q7 Many of the ppl hired by custom harvesters are from all of the English speaking world. Working for US or Canadian crews. #agchat
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AgriLawyer:
Q6: Obviously compensation has a lot to do with getting people to go down into a mine in one of the most dangerous jobs in America. #agchat
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JeffFowle:
Q7 Need reliable system to check backgrounds. Previous employee had CA drivers license & SSN, turned out to be illegal. #agchat
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agchat:
Q8 is coming up and the milk may have to come out in order to get Q#s before your responses...or some catnip! #agchat
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dmann11:
@roarfarms and the assistance will keep food prices from spiking, crashing the economy? That might work..... #agchat?
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agchat:
RT @ksfarmboy: Q7 Many of the ppl hired by custom harvesters are from all of English speaking world. Working for US/Canadian crews. #agchat
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ketelsen:
RT @JeffFowle: Q7 Need reliable system to check backgrounds. Prev employee had CA drivers license & SSN, turned out to be illegal. #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Q7 @MarieB41 -- had a friend who was illegal, finally talked to co. he worked at & was able to get legalized. LONG process worth it #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
RT @JeffFowle: Q7 Need reliable system to check backgrounds. Prev employee had CA drivers license & SSN, turned out to be illegal. #agchat
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AgriLawyer:
I feel bad, I don't even know what question Q7 is, hence my continued rambling on Q6 #agchat
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girlmeetsfarm:
#agchat Q7 I go back to high school students in my area don't consider jobs in agriculture.Maybe unemployed city teens could be transplanted
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agchat:
Q8 via @JeffFowle What do producers need to make verification process easy to utilize & provide assurances-how to verify background? #agchat
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dmann11:
@billiegirltoo not without increasing the workload on the DMV to unbelievable levels. Passport like waits for a DL renewal? #agchat
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Porkchop1950:
Q7, the gov't will have a guest worker program before they jeopardize our cheap food policy. Gotta have dollars to pay taxes #agchat
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Cottonaggie:
Must sign off. Great Conversation. Buycott, not boycott, AZ. Come on down & support our economy. #agchat
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roarfarms:
Q7 this would allow employer 24 months to rework business model. Its just an idea #agchat
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girlmeetsfarm:
RT @agchat Q8 is coming up and the milk may have to come out in order to get Q#s before your responses...or some catnip! #agchat
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agchat:
My dear friends. We are on Q8. I love the convo amongst everyone, but this is becoming....catlike & chaotic. PLEASE USE Q# #agchat
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agsalesman:
Q8: Anything would be better than current. Right now, it's "i need a list "A" or a list "B" and "C". Thats all u can legally ask. #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Q8 Tough one as lots of small farm businesses, not all have infrastructure to do full background checks. #agchat
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agchat:
Sorry I missed the announcement that Q7 was closing, but we're now on Q8. Therefore please use Q8 in advance of your remarks! #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
RT @agchat: My dear friends. We are on Q8. I love convo amongst everyone, but this is becoming....catlike & chaotic. PLEASE USE Q# #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
RT @agchat: Q8 What do producers need to make verification process easy to utilize & provide assurances-how to verify background? #agchat
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agchat:
RT @JPlovesCOTTON: Q8 Tough one as lots of small farm businesses, not all have infrastructure to do full background checks. #agchat
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jordanmcraig:
Q8 It would be nice if there was a database we could subscribe to to do these checks. #agchat
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dmann11:
Q8 infrastructure is a major problem, current agencies, DMV, Social Security, IRS, dont have staff to do checks #agchat
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roarfarms:
Q8, take $ away from foodstamps and use for streamlined process of verifying documentation for workers. #agchat
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agchat:
Repeat RT @agchat: Q8 What do producers need to make verif process easy to utilize & provide assurances-how to verify background? #agchat
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samvance:
Q8 You should be able to go to a GOV website & enter a SSN and match the name that appears w/ the worker. #agchat
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agsalesman:
Q8: I've literally been handed a green card that I believe is real, and then watch them write a SSN down of a scrap of paper. #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Q8 if there was a national system that provided documentation that was easily verified, it would be solved in part #agchat
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agchat:
Q8 was just repeated, just for clarification. We didn't switch questions, there were some kitties who didn't make it to the bowl. #agchat
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MarieB41:
RT @samvance: Q8 You should be able to go to a GOV website & enter a SSN and match the name that appears w/ the worker. #agchat
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AgriLawyer:
Q8: The market will speak to this as there are companies to do these background checks in volume, much like Apt complexes across US #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
Q8 wouldn't Fed law on ID or background checks supercede state laws? #agchat
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ketelsen:
I like this~simple RT @samvance: Q8 U should be able to go to a GOV website~enter a SSN~match the name that appears w/ the worker. #agchat
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Porkchop1950:
That would be to easy RT @samvance: Q8 Able to go to a GOV website & enter a SSN and match the name that appears w/ the worker. #agchat
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nel1jack:
Q8 - virtually impossible -- fake IDs fake papers tioo easy to acquire #agchat
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ksfarmboy:
@agsalesman We've only hired one person that wasn't fairly local. Canadian resident that had been living in Mexico, very unusual. #agchat
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agsalesman:
Q8: if I could spot fake ID's that easily, I wouldn't be a farmer!! #agchat
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nel1jack:
Q8 - and then you have ppl here legally that will sell their ID to allow illegals to work #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Secret agent maybe? ;-) RT @: Q8: if I could spot fake ID's that easily, I wouldn't be a farmer!! #agchat
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dmann11:
Q8 how do we create a national database without opening up a national ID system, violating privacy? #agchat
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_sistahsweet_:
Hello #agchat! I'm Angela, a freelance writer in Memphis. Don't mind me. I'm just lurking. *pulls up chair*
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JeffFowle:
@samvance Q8 You have to have fingerprint analysis to verify. Too easy to get forged & manipulated documents. #agchat
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AgriLawyer:
@ComfyPaws Q8: Immigration laws preempt and laws affecting aliens are strictly scrutinized, but background checks are a diff. animal #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
Q8 shouldn't the responsiblity to show documents be placed on the worker when they apply - not on the employer to ask? #agchat
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girlmeetsfarm:
Q7@ksfarmboy here in Canada, junior schools don't consider it. I teach Junior Achievement, and it's not talked about-change needed! #agchat
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sarah_carnes:
Sarah Carnes, St. Louis Park, MN. Farm girl from Cherokee, IA living in the city. Following my first #agchat
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roarfarms:
@nel1jack, thats a choice people could make. Hard to stop crooks, shouldn't have to move heaven and earth to stop illegals #agchat
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jordanmcraig:
RT @ComfyPaws: Q8 shouldnt the responsiblity to show documents be placed on the worker when they apply - not on the employer to ask? #agchat
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agchat:
Q9 via JPLovesCotton Do you think needs for mobile/immigrants workforce has changed in past decade? will it in 10 yrs? If so, how? #agchat
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AgForLife:
RT Q8 - agree but easier 2 cross-reference & take action. W/ system. Virtually impossible -fake IDs fake papers too easy to acquire #agchat
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JeffFowle:
Glad U could join! RT @sarah_carnes: Sarah, St. Louis Park, MN. Farm girl from Cherokee, IA living in the city. Following my first #agchat
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agchat:
@sarah_carnes Glad to see you here. We have a great convo, just some difficulty this eve with using our Q#s. <sigh> #agchat
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samvance:
Q8 Fingerprints don't matter, it's all based on the name & SSN. #agchat
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SlowMoneyFarm:
Q8 on that; had ID stolen in Dec including plane info; trying to get official report done = who to handle it? local wouldn't, #agchat
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agchat:
Q9 is now up, my cats. Q8 closed. Here kitty, kitty. And remember that pretty little Q# in advance of your meow. #agchat
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dmann11:
Q9 the workforce wont change that much until Mexico/Latin American standard of living improves. #agchat
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JeffFowle:
Q9 Post 9/11, serious work force shortages in CA, OR & WA. Definitely a need. #agchat
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agsalesman:
Q9: demand for their skills have increased. Red Delicious=10$/bu to be, honeycrisp=80$/bu to me. NO BRUISES ALLOWED!! #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
RT @agchat: Q9 Do you think needs for mobile/immigrants workforce has changed in past decade? will it in 10 yrs? If so, how? #agchat
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roarfarms:
Q8, should not be the employers problem to have to verify citizenship of workers. I believe we pay plenty of taxes #agchat
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billiegirltoo:
Annnnd with the 'any illegal can get health care' I will take my leave. blood now boiling for non productive reply. Good chat 90% :) #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Q9 I want more fresh fruits & veggies... have continued to increase. Changes work demands for harvest. #agchat
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jsamuelson56:
Q9 Um Ya. Quote from neighbor: how can I compete with Turnpike Toll collector - sit on your butt all day and make more $$ per hour #agchat
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AgForLife:
RT Q9 Do you think needs for mobile/immigrants workforce has changed in past decade? will it in 10 yrs? If so, how? #agchat crops = mig wrk
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ksfarmboy:
RT @dmann11: Q9 the workforce wont change that much until Mexico/Latin American standard of living improves. #agchat
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farmanddairy:
RT @agchat: Q9 via JPLovesCotton Do you think needs for mobile/immigrants workforce has changed in past decade? will it in 10 yrs? If so, how? #agchat
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ketelsen:
RT @jsamuelson56: Q9 Quote from neighbor: how can I compete w/Turnpike Toll collector-sit on ur butt all day~make more $$ per hour #agchat
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agsalesman:
Q9: are you listening #HSUS? You think the immigration/labor thing is bad now, just wait till we're all vegan!!! #agchat
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roarfarms:
Considering our taxes will likely increase as our nation bankrupts, it could be harder times 4 illegals. Some still know how to work #agchat
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agchat:
RT @jsamuelson56: Q9 Quote from neighbor: how can I compete w/Turnpike Toll collector-sit on ur butt all day~make more $$ per hour #agchat
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ThomsonVnyrds:
Q9 more mobile workforce would give farmers more harvest options with time sensitive crops like #wine grapes. Not mobile enough now!#agchat
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AgForLife:
Q9 #agchat As long as there is high cash crop perishable foods, there will always be a need for labor - migrant or not.
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agchat:
Wow, it's pitch time and given the rapidfire convo, I'm going to evoke moderator's privilege & list final Q, then pitch time. #agchat
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jordanmcraig:
RT @AgForLife: Q9 As long as there is high cash crop perishable foods, there will always be a need for labor - migrant or not. #agchat
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agchat:
Q10 What's the one executable idea you've gained from tonight's convo that you can do something about? #agchat
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samvance:
Q9 If we had a bigger high speed rail network in place, it would help w/ mobility. #agchat
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ksfarmboy:
@agsalesman I've heard the meat packing plants have really cleaned up their act in terms of hiring legals after the last big raid. #agchat
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agchat:
Q9 is now closed, Q10 is now up. Pitch time at 10 pm ET. #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
RT @agchat: Q10 What's the one executable idea you've gained from tonight's convo that you can do something about? #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
Q8 the workforce won't change til Americans are willing to work - remember when NOT being on pub assitance was a pt of pride? #agchat
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ThomsonVnyrds:
Q9 knowledge base required by workers is sometimes necessary for delecate crops like #wine grapes, TF stable ongoing workforce a + #agchat
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roarfarms:
@samvance, highspeed rail. (AMTRAK) is the biggest waste of $$ there is. If you have spare $$ I'm running low on TP. #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
Q10 Immigration is an issue that reaches across all sectors of ag & draws people we don't typically interface with. Lesson learned. #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Q10 Find ways to highlight the labor needs of ag in a generally easy to absorb way... will take a WHILE #agchat
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JeffFowle:
Q10 Need to get involved w/ legislation & ensure border security w/ reliable work force. #agchat
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agchat:
True, so how you gonna put wheels under them? RT @ketelsen: Q10 Im afraid weve all just expressed our opinions? #agchat
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girlmeetsfarm:
RT @agchat Q10 What's the one executable idea you've gained from tonight's convo that you can do something about? #agchat
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WillRogersToday:
More mechanization of perishable crop harvest is a solution. Less need for unskilled labor. #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Q10 Find time to talk to legislators about the critical role of migrant labor. #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
Q10 I can continue to support farmers and vote for politicians/laws that support immigration controls #agchat
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jsamuelson56:
Q10 We all need more education on this issue Don't think its as easy as shutting the lid & restocking the pond. #agchat
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girlmeetsfarm:
Q10 #agchat I am going to see if our Junior Achievement program can be tweaked to include ag as a career choice!
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ksfarmboy:
#9 Does it make sense for farmers to Contract labor through an outside agency? #agchat
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kmrivard:
RT @ComfyPaws: Q10 I can continue to support farmers and vote for politicians/laws that support immigration controls #agchat
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ComfyPaws:
Q10 I will also mention getting a good farm jobs to the teens I see hanging out ;-) #agchat
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samvance:
Q10 Ag needs to get it's collective head out of it's parent's rear and take a fresh look at these issues to find new solutions. #agchat
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mpaynknoper:
Pretend this is @agchat (limit reached). It's now PITCH time; share your site, your blog, your idea, your question! #agchat
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samvance:
Q10 If you always do what you've done, you'll always get what you've always got. #agchat
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cpillin_dairy:
RT @: Q10 I can continue to support farmers and vote for politicians/laws that support immigration controls #agchat #agchat
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JPlovesCOTTON:
Sure do appreciate constructive conversation... other bomb throwing not so much. ;-) #agchat
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foodchat:
Reminder for the #agchat crowd; next week is 3rd Tues, which means it's #foodchat. Looking at topic central to going "beyond the #ag choir"
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SlowMoneyFarm: @Cottonaggie I'm a former Arizonan that spent the winter there does it count?! :-) #agchat
ComfyPaws: @colormered immigration to be discussed in #agchat in a few minutes
mpaynknoper: Excellent! RT @Cottonaggie: I'm joining tonight. Need at least one Arizonan to discuss this issue. #agchat
ThomsonVnyrds: Plan to weigh in at beg&end of #agchat tonight #Immigration reform has effect on #wine industry as much as #farmers do!
cespenshade: Hi all! I am multi-tasking tonight... have a Grange Teamspeak meeting at 9, have to get dinner on the table, but will try to follow. #agchat
Farm3rsDaught3r: Watching Purdue's ballroom team on DWTS and agchatting! Boiler up! #agchat
billiegirltoo: RT @agchat: Welcome all, the doors are open for our convo on immigration reform this eve! #agchat
AgriBlogger: Chuck Zimmerman, Publisher, AgWired.com. Enjoying a Casillero Del Diablo Carmenere 2008. Excellent vintage from Chile. #agchat
FairFoodFight: Barth Anderson from Fair Food Fight in Minneapolis. Friend of farmers. - FYI to followers, I'll be lurking/responding tonight on #agchat
balmeras: RT @Farmland Every 3 Days #NewYork Loses a Farm: Enter New York Agricultural Landowner Guide http://bit.ly/doFJ05 (expand) #agchat via @alisonkerr
KRISTIMOSS: Kristi in Sioux Falls SD #agchat
agsalesman: Jeff VanderWerff, Sparta, Michigan. Apple and grain producer. #agchat
RayLinDairy: Ray a dairy farmer from central Central CA sitting in O'Hare Airport waiting to catch a plane to Orange County #agchat
benlacross: Ben LaCross, Cedar, Michigan. I grow cherries, apples, and plums #agchat
jsamuelson56: Checking in from Massachusetts tonight. Jerseys rock! #agchat
UddertechInc: good evening everyone! Dairy farm in Lakeville, MN...will be in and out tonight till the kiddos are in bed! #agchat
MJLsciencewrite: Hi! I'm PhD #mom interested in #food #nutrition issues-especially translate #science; don't know much on this issue, so will watch #agchat
JPlovesCOTTON: Hey. Janice here in Memphis. I do PR @ Monsanto, but if we're looking for immigration connects, lots of friends, lot of travel #agchat
dodairydaily: near 20 year career of working for dairy farmers, and mom with schedule demands tonight! #agchat
iTweetMeat: Good evening! Chris, Pennsylvania, work in meat plants all the time -- this topic will be very interesting to follow! #agchat
courtneyhbeck: Stopping by to say hi! Can't stay tonight but look forward to reading the transcript. Interesting topic for sure! #agchat
celestelaurent: Taking photo class final, missing #agchat for last time this semester! I love photography as much as anyone but I want my Tues nights back!
chemicallygreen: RT @mpaynknoper: Great tool! RT @ksgrains: GPS allows #farmers to ensure they don't cover the same soil twice, saving time & fuel. #agchat #farm #environment
farmanddairy: Late joining the party. Susan Crowell (@scrowell), editor of weekly #farm newspaper in OH/PA, etc. #agchat
drumanshoo: twitter sign in was a little slow. sorry about that. Dru, from Denver. Eager to make new relationships and push the industry forward #agchat
clairecelsi: RT @agsalesman: Q1: to MPK-We tried "white" labor-wouldn't and couldn't do the work. #agchat
AWAapproved: RT @agchat: @iTweetMeat Glad to see you and @tweef32 and @colorMeRed. Please help everyone feel welcome. #agchat
EdwinaFarley: Q1 The Australian Govt has just put up $200 mill for training for resources and mining - big shortages here #agchat
DougE: RT @JeffFowle: Sad but true. RT @ComfyPaws: @mpaynknoper public assistance is way easier than working :-( #agchat
maroberts: RT @kmrivard: RT @UddertechInc: RT @agsalesman: Q2: The spirit of the question is, if we close the border, than who does the work? #agchat
AgriLawyer: Good evening everyone, Craig Ag and Food Attorney based out of Memphis checking in #agchat
margofranssen: RT @kmrivard: RT @UddertechInc: RT @agsalesman: Q2: The spirit of the question is, if we close the border, than who does the work? #agchat
JohnDeereTara: Sorry to be missing #agchat..
waylandcook: RT @agchat: RT @mpaynknoper: Q2 We also need to teach children an honest day's work in a field, vineyard, barn or orchard is HONOR not insult. #agchat
drewbender: Drew Bender from Marion, Ohio with production ag background checking in a little late. What is the question we are on currently? #agchat
WillowTanAlpaca: RT @JeffFowle: RT @AFBFMace: Q2 As many of us know first-hand, farm work is often a hard, dirty job. No denying that fact. #agchat
cornfedfarmer: Brandon from NE. Rained out of the field for a couple days. Waiting for election results to come in. #agchat
lr3031: @ColorMeRed @Serr8d There's room 4migrant workers, yes, but they r a miniscule percentage of flood of illegals we're experiencing. #agchat
jordanmcraig: Hi everyone, my name is Jordan Craig from AR. Sorry for coming in late, just getting home. #agchat
MichaelHLau: RT @agchat: Q3 (via @MichaelHLau) How can we economically justify closed borders when consumers are not willing to pay for increased cost? #agchat
hullmilk: RT @JeffFowle Q3 Ensure consistent & ample labor visas & ability to check backgrounds. What is preventing ample visas? Any ideas? #agchat
toyotaequipment: @kmrivard Because of the pay? #agchat
JustPlainBill: @JeffFowle Bill, No. CA, hobby farm. Q2. Need to attract rural minded folks. Mechanization of Ag is an answer. #agchat
Porkchop1950: Better late than never. Good evening from Colorful Colorado. Home of the guest worker program from years ago. Sugar Beets etc. #agchat
MarieB41: RT @SlowMoneyFarm: q4 too many jobs in ag cant be done by machine #agchat takes boots on the ground &most white people wont do it #agchat
MJLsciencewrite: @FoodAllergyBuzz yeah :) just didn't know if you were planning 1 or 2 hrs #faaw #agchat & #foodchat are 8-10 and then bleedover :D THX!
McLerranMD: Hi - here late - Coach's Pitch game tonight - From TN - Angus Beef Producer and MD #agchat
featherchick: Staying away from tonight's #agchat on #immigration; I've got some VERY definite thoughts - prolly not in line with the "party line."
ColorMeRed: @organicsgrow Yes, one is required to carry their green card with them at all times! It's Federal Law! #agchat
Emperor_Bob: @billiegirltoo @agchat @TruffleMedia #AZ ag will be just fine w/o immigrants, plenty of US citizens willing to take those jobs - not #agchat
zubov56: RT @JeffFowle: RT @benlacross: It's easy 2 point finger at employers & say "U shouldnt employ illegals" when we cant legally determine whose legal! #agchat
homesteadEd: I should say something on #agchat but I'm top dumb.
carolinehansen5: RT @sdcorn: #Obama says, "Home-grown fuels are a key part of our strategy" in strengthening rural economies. #ethanol #agchat http://bit.ly/aA9AXS (expand)
girlmeetsfarm: RT @kmrivard Q6 Farmboy's mom once sent a thank you card to the farm listed on the container for her cherries once just sayin' lol #agchat
ssteever: Q7 #agchat Agunited.org holds pizza parties for 5th graders in SD. Farmers come along to tell the story of food http://bit.ly/biUdwi (expand)
_sistahsweet_: I don't see many Americans doing farm labor unless they own the farm. I don't think it's about laziness, it's about options #agchat
ranchwife4life: RT @_sistahsweet_: Q6 There is such a disconnect between the farm and the plate that it doesn't register that someone has to pick our food. #agchat
sarah_carnes: Sarah Carnes, St. Louis Park, MN. Farm girl from Cherokee, IA living in the city. Following my first #agchat
ketelsen: @mitchgroup you should get your mitts into #agchat talking about immigration
WillRogersToday: Randall Reeder, Columbus, OH. Sorry so late. #agchat
TeamRepublican: RT @ColorMeRed: RT @ComfyPaws: @Cottonaggie I read that AZ is the kidnapping capitol - averages one per day! #agchat
cpillin_dairy: RT @: Q9 the workforce wont change that much until Mexico/Latin American standard of living improves. #agchat #agchat
TruffleMedia: LOL :) P RT @agchat: .... Here kitty, kitty. And remember that pretty little Q# in advance of your meow. #agchat
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