In addition to saving money in labor costs by using platforms in a Selah, Washington, orchard, Dave Jacques says they have happier workers. “The workers prefer to be standing and pruning rather than carrying around ladders all day,” said Jacques, orchard manager at Larsen Fruit Company. The platform workers, four on the platform and one driver, operate as a team, working on piece rate, he explained. By including the tractor driver on the piece-rate team, the driver pays closer attention to tree conditions to keep his crew moving along quickly. With the labor savings, they can still provide them with […]