Labor Biggest Issue For Growers in 2017

While for some the 2017 growing season in just getting underway, there are several challenges before the Central Washington Ag Industry.  Gregg Marrs, President of Yakima based Blueline told the Washington Ag Network labor is the chief challenge for the upcoming year.  He said the specialty crops the region is so well known for make it important that labor is doable.

“So, the challenge is having enough labor in a timely fashion for a cost that you can afford as a grower.”

Marrs acknowledges he can’t do anything about immigration reform, but what he as his crew at Blueline can do, is customize equipment and machines to help growers stretch their dollar.

“So, a lot of our efforts have been in producing equipment and procedures to reduce that reduce that ‘labor to create more efficiencies.  So, you can get more productivity out of each employee.  So, we’re going to have to do the same or more work with half as many people.”

Blueline has five locations across Central Washington, including Sunnyside, Pasco, Walla Walla, Yakima and George, as well as a parts facility in Mattawa.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com