Ag Workforce Journal: August 6 is Farmworker Appreciation Day: Plan your recognition in advance!

Farmworker Appreciation Day is a special time to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work of farmworkers. Observed annually on August 6th, this day highlights the essential role farm employees play in agriculture and our food system.

At Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development, we believe that agricultural work can—and should—be both engaging and rewarding for everyone involved. Our mission is to help farmers build committed and effective teams by applying the best human resource management practices. Recognizing Farmworker Appreciation Day aligns with our commitment to creating a positive and supportive work environment in agriculture. It also serves as a reminder of the critical role that farm employees play in the success of agriculture.

Farmworker Appreciation Day is not just a celebration but a call to action for all managers and leaders in the industry to continuously support and uplift their teams, making agricultural work a truly rewarding experience for everyone.

As August 6 approaches, it’s a great time for farms and agricultural businesses to plan meaningful ways to celebrate and honor your teams. Consider organizing special events like a lunch or barbecue, providing small gifts or tokens of gratitude, offering more frequent breaks to show appreciation, and simply taking the time as ownership and management to say “thanks” and shake your employees’ hands. Additionally, consider using social media as a way to shine a spotlight on your employees by sharing posts that highlight their contributions and stories. Recognizing Farmworker Appreciation Day not only highlights the hard work and dedication of these essential team members but also helps build a positive and supportive work environment.

______________________________________________________________________
By Andrea Durmiaki, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post August 6 is Farmworker Appreciation Day: Plan your recognition in advance! appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.