Leverage community resources to help hire farm employees
Can you imagine having access to an IT-trained intern on your farm paid for by your local government? We can! Rocky Mountain Micro Ranch (RMMR) is Colorado’s first and only edible insect farm, and they are already working with incredibly talented folks thanks to a program called TEC-P.
We asked Wendy Lu McGill, Founder and CEO of RMMR, some questions about how she found out about the program, what it entails, and how you can get access to talent in your local state as well.
If you’re looking for an extra set of hands on your farm, read on.
How did you hear about the program?
WLM: The Denver Office of Economic Development had mentioned it, but it honestly didn’t click until I was at a totally unrelated awards lunch and sat with a woman who works with the program. We had just signed on with Agrilyst, and I thought, “We have technology!” The TEC-P program focuses on placing highly skilled technical applicants into jobs that involve technology. We were only able to apply to the program because we use Agrilyst.
What was the process of applying?
WLM: It was actually quite (surprisingly) easy and low on paperwork. I think it was helpful that we invited the program officers to visit our micro ranch, so they could conceptualize how agriculture can include and embrace technology.
How long did it take?
WLM: From finding out about the program to starting our first intern, it took about one month. This may have been extra fast because the first intern we met was a great fit for us!
How’s it going so far?
WLM: We are working with a motivated and skilled intern who helps with some insect farming tasks and helps us better utilize Agrilyst, which has resulted in not only better farming practices but also better data to make future improvements. I understand she’s even provided suggestions for features to Agrilyst, as her training is in software testing.
How can Agrilyst make the process easier for other farmers looking for talent?
WLM: Honestly, just having the system to easily add in technology to farming practices opens up so many possibilities, both operationally, and for potential sources of funding, like this.
Any advice for other farmers looking for employees or funding?
WLM: Agriculture gets so sequestered into its own category, but like in the case of getting an IT intern paid for by the state of Colorado, we need to look far and wide for ways our work can be viewed differently so that we can take advantage of funding and other types of support we can take advantage of! It is not only good for our specific businesses, but also important to make sure agriculture has a seat at the proverbial table.
Specifically, make sure to meet with your local equivalent of the office of economic development, with the small business development center (often in many cities around the country and affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce). Map out the government and other resources that exist for small business and then apply to all of ‘em! That and networking. At least the latter is often around a happy hour.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Most states have incentives for hiring employees in-state, and often have even more incentives for technical and skilled training. We listed a few of them below, and encourage you to search for your state’s incentives.
Missouri (skilled job incentives as well as agricultural labor programs)— https://jobs.mo.gov/employer/incentives
New York (a few different incentives, including training reimbursements) — https://esd.ny.gov/doing-business-ny/tax-based-incentives
New Jersey (will reimburse up to 50% of training costs for highly skilled jobs; other incentives also available) — http://careerconnections.nj.gov/careerconnections/hire/training/training_index.shtml
California (tax incentives) — http://www.edd.ca.gov/jobs_and_training/Tax_Credits_Incentives.htm
About the TEC-P program
TEC-P is a regional program that connects YOU to Colorado’s talent market in Information Technology and Advanced manufacturing careers. You can use your current skills and train for up-and-coming job opportunities in high tech industries. Contact us for more information.This workforce collaboration was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
About RMMR
Rocky Mountain Micro Ranch (RMMR) is Colorado’s first and only edible insect farm, raising crickets, mealworms and other species for wholesale distribution to restaurants and food manufactures. We also carry a full line of edible insect products from certified producers, including cricket powder.
RMMR produces delicious, nutritious food by using feed sourced from high quality food waste and practices that emphasize end result as highly as animal welfare and environmental impact.
