In this area (Louisiana), they bring in seasonal workers also. BUT the farmers do that. Everything is pre-arranged way in advance. The usually have the same workers from year to year. If they waited to the last minute to take care of getting workers processed... Use locals.
right. these farmers started the H-2A application in June (when the 2012-2013 contract ended). it usually takes an average of 120 days to grant the H-2A to a farmer even if they are using the same employees year after year.
The reason they use the H-2A program in the first palce is:
1) not enough local labor (even at $12+ per hour)
2) growers keep getting SSN "no match" letters. they give the notice to the employee to address the issue (could be an error, etc) and then never see the person again
unfortunately, you can't feasibly put your growing season on hold. you're not growing crops (or they're starting to rot on the plant) to sell, but you have all the same input costs (rent, fertilizer, diesel, etc).
