This fall, Washington State’s apple and pear crops came in short. Spot labor shortages were reported throughout the season and throughout the state, but at the end of the day we can say that we made it…this year. The toughest time/task crunch across the industry came during pear and apple thinning time. Comp–e–ti–tion for labor between cherry harvest and –thinning was an issue. How did we manage? The number-one reason is smaller crops. Number-two reason: growers were pro–active and creative with recruitment and retention. Number three: the influx of H-2A certified workers. Smaller crops reduced demand. Proactive and creative actions […]