Human Resources

A high-performing farm or agribusiness needs high-performing employees. A strong, reliable, engaged team provides a competitive advantage and it starts with a good human resources plan.


As a business grows, the human resources (HR) function may become a full-time job for the owner/operator. This may be an indicator that it’s to make a plan for human resource management.

There is help in HR advice and planning through our local Manitoba Agriculture Office. Watch for workshops in your area and new available resources.

These online resources can help you hire and retain good employees, and ensure you are meeting your responsibilities as an employer.
 

How-To Manuals

Human Resource Management for Farm Business in Manitoba is filled with ideas and exercises to help you build and implement a strong plan for your farm, whether you employ family members or other individuals. The guide explains the process of building an effective HR plan that can reduce risk, reduce turnover and improve the quality of people you hire. Case studies use real-life examples to show how farms have successfully worked through common issues.
 
Human Resource Management for Rural Business is a hands-on workbook with activities that help you work through a human resource plan for your business. It includes exercises, examples and checklists for evaluating and planning human resource functions. Recruiting, keeping and engaging valuable employees can help make your business an attractive place to work and allows the business to operate at its full potential.
 

Manitoba Employment Standards

 

Workplace Safety and Health

 

Finding and Developing Employees

 

Housing Information

 

Payroll Source Deductions

Resources
 

Workplace safety and health is important especially in farming where the industry is known for its high fatalities most of which are machinery related. However, injuries and illnesses are preventable. That is why it is so important for producers to take the necessary preventative measures in creating safety and health systems that fit their operation. A few simple preventative measures go a long way towards establishing a safe working environment.  
 

A Guide to Employment Standards in Agriculture
Additional labour may be acquired from time to time to assist you in your farm business, whether it’s via seasonal or casual employees, summer students, or independent contractors. As changes in legislation have included many workers in agriculture who previously were not covered by Employment Standards legislation, a fact sheet was developed to provide an overview of the most common Employment Standards provisions and to whom they apply in agriculture.

WCB on the Farm
The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) extended coverage to the agriculture industry which means it is mandatory for agricultural employers to purchase coverage for their employees. Manitoba farmers need to register with WCB if they hire non-family workers.

Motivating, Engaging & Retaining Farm Employees 
Motivating, engaging and retaining skilled employees are important to most businesses because high employee turnover results in a loss of knowledge and skills that can be expensive and difficult to replace. Manitoba’s farm workers are no different than employees in other industries and want to be motivated and engaged in their employment, regardless of the position they hold....

You’ve Decided to Hire an Employee – What do you need to know?
Your operation is expanding and you need to take on staff. This requires a new skill set and introduces a new set of challenges. Recruitment, orientation, training, communication, motivation, and conflict management are all areas where a new employer will need to gain knowledge and confidence. The information in this article lists the first steps you need to take.

New Employee Orientation
As you hire employees for the busy harvest season, ensure your farm has an orientation program in place for both new and returning employees.