Combines over seas workers

[Big_Truck]

I think its probably to do with being away from home for the majority of the time between mid May and late November.Not alot of young guy's would be into to this and the pay isn't up to much anyways!!

 

[red_runner]

I have personally had better luck finding people from overseas that will work on harvest

 

[beh]

Finding help that is willing to travel and do the work in states is tough, may to August is not too bad, but when school starts in August, help gets awfully hard to find. MOST combiners cannot offer year round employment to their employees, that also makes things difficult. beh

 

[Wheaty]

Big Truck not real happy with your comment on the harvest workers pay! I along with alot of other harvest crews have six men or more on the pay roll from May to December and all average over $1800 a month plus room and board, you tell me where a young man can get these kind of wages else whereIJ But if this is considered poor pay tell us what your worker base and payroll is.

 

[riceman]

I did harvest in 2000. I did a search on custom harvesters on yahoo I think. I had never seen an advestisement for a harvester before. There are a lot of guys in the south that would go on harvest but they know nothing about it. Maybe you should try advertising more. Because I loved it and if I wasn't farming now, I'd go out again.

 

[combinejockey]

I am not sure he meant the pay sucks overall. Most people look at the hours worked and divide that by the pay and it can be kinda low. I take 2 weeks vacation every Oct to run combine for a friend of mine, usually in those 2 weeks which amounts to 16 days, I easily get 230-250 hrs. Even 200 hrs in that time for a pay rate of 1800 only equals 9.00 per hour. For a full month the hours should be many more. Not too many people are gonna work that many hours and be gone from home for that amount of pay. There are exceptions of course, those being someone who loves that type of work and looking for the adventure, but those are getting more scarce with every passing year. Its not only the harvesting industry, but the transportation industry being affected with the same issues. Just my 2$ worth...Dave

 

[red_runner]

Those two weeks must have been perfect conditions. You have to average out all the days off with all the days worked. Plus ad in room and board and not having to drive to work you can save alot of money in one summer.

 

[combinejockey]

Oh I agree totally, but society as a whole does not look at it that way anymore. They expect to make good money and not have to work for it and get all the benefits that go with it. Its sad but reality.

 

[Old_Pokey]

You're excactly right. I have three neighbors that used to go on the custom cutting runs. Even at $1800 a month, after taxes you dont even take home $1200. You still have take care of the rent and utilities back home, otherwise you have nothing to come back to. Each one told me they really enjoyed the experience and wish they could continue to do so but not at that pay. It's getting tough to find help in several different occupations. Service and repair shops cant find anybody either. This farm is right in the middle of high tech central. There are several what is considered large farms for this area, that have lost their help and have been advertising like crazy trying to find farm help. Nobody is applying.

 

[crbiner]

Well, mate, I think it lies in one word, OPPORTUNITY. If you gave a bloke a chance to spend an entire summer in another country to do what he enjoys, that bloke would be more than willing to work a little harder and enjoy it a little more. It's a win-win to both parties. Money vs. Experience. Experience wins. Experience includes experiencing the culture on many levels (even the third). thanks, crbiner