Obtaining a sufficient supply of labor when it is needed is a problem faced by most farmers annually because of the very seasonal nature of farming. Even with mechanization and family labor, most farmers need to hire some help. This report summarizes the results of a survey conducted in 1966 to determine: (1) methods used to obtain seasonal…

To investigate the effect of technological change upon farm labor use, a stratified random sample of 696 farm workers from a population of 12,215 in Kern County, California, provided a basis for analysis. Some major findings were: (1) The high peak of seasonal labor use has been eliminated, (2) The need for migratory labor is decreasing, (3)…

A stratified random sample of 69 6 workers in 361 households in Kern County, California, was selected to investigate the changes in labor use resulting from farm mechanization, and to explore the trend towards a stable labor force. Some major findings were: (1) Mechanization of the cotton harvest has erased the high peak of seasonal farm labor,…

Racism and racial exploitation, rather than disappearing with the march of capitalist development, appear instead as its intimate companions. The racial experience of the Mexican in South Texas was shaped by the rapid development of agriculture there in the early part of the century, between 1900-1910 and 1920-1930. The agrarian land revolution…

In 1983, personal interviews with 38 adult, Mexican American, migrant farmworker, male heads of households working tomato crops in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan revealed living and working conditions and views and involvement regarding labor rights and the farmworker movement among the estimated 65,000 Midwestern migrant farmworkers. Interview data…

Programs sponsored by the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunity for unskilled, under-educated migrant and seasonal farm workers are summarized. It is emphasized that these programs have their major thrust in preparing breadwinners for upgraded jobs and in preparing entire farm worker families for adjustment to the way of life that new jobs will…

Migratory farm workers employed in 688 countries in 46 states in 1965 represent a 9 percent increase over 1964. Average earnings for the migratory farm worker in 1965 were $1,737. In spite of the new legislation, which is described, there are additional needs in the areas of wages, child labor, health, education, day care, housing, sanitation, and…

Assessment of farmworker needs and resource agencies revealed that a significant number of migrant and seasonal farmworkers are not receiving essential services available to them. Interviews conducted with 475 farmworkers gathered demographic data and information about perceived needs, knowledge and use of agencies, and satisfaction with services.…