What American Farmers Expect During Your First 30 Days on the Job
Congratulations on getting hired for your seasonal H-2A job. It takes work and dedication to land that first opportunity or to be invited back for another season of work. Now, it’s time to travel overseas and perform to the best of your ability.
It’s critical to make a strong first impression with your new employer by doing a great job. But performing at your best is a challenge when you don’t fully understand what’s expected of you. To help, this blog breaks down a few things American farmers expect of their H-2A workers during your first 30 days on the job.
1. Show up on time and ready to work
American farmers use the H-2A visa program to source reliable, skilled, seasonal labor for their businesses, so the most important thing you can do is show up on time and ready to work. But being on time and present on the farm is only part of the equation. Being on time and ready to work means:
Being punctual every day
Dressed properly and ready to go:
Wearing essential items like boots and jeans
Having personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and goggles, if needed
Following the schedule and instructions
Demonstrating consistency every day
2. Be willing to learn
You must arrive on time, ready to work every day, but you also need to maintain an open mind and be willing to learn new techniques and procedures. Every farm operation is unique, and all farmers do things slightly differently. Regardless, almost all American farm employers want to see:
Positive learning attitude
Willingness to accept constructive criticism and feedback
Not being afraid to ask questions when unsure
Putting forth effort to improve your skills (especially in weak areas)
3. Safety, safety, safety
American farmers are operating with slim profit margins. The slightest setback can cost them their entire season’s profits. These farmers can’t afford equipment breakdowns, accidents, or any other issues that put their slim profits in jeopardy. Here are some of the most important areas of safety on an American farm:
Safe equipment operation
Driving, vehicle, and truck safety
Personal protective equipment to keep yourself safe
Grain elevator safety off the farm
Following all farm safety protocols
Most employers will clearly lay out safety precautions with equipment, farm structures and buildings, livestock, and other areas around the farm. There are countless farm accidents every year that leave seasonal workers injured, maimed, or even killed. Simply put, farming is a dangerous job. Earn a reputation as a safe seasonal worker, and you’ll have plenty of future job opportunities.
4. Care for equipment
One of the main things American farmers expect of their seasonal H-2A employees is caring for their vehicles, equipment, and tools. Machines, tractors, combine harvesters, trucks, and other vehicles cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and must be cared for appropriately. Employers will look for:
Workers who take preventive measures to care for equipment
Workers who identify any maintenance or repair concerns immediately
Respect for valuable, expensive machinery, tools, and equipment
5. Communicate clearly
Part of transitioning to working and living in America is adjusting to the communication standards. American employers place a high value on clear, calm communication with superiors, coworkers, and vendors. Good, clear communication looks like:
Asking questions when you’re unsure about something
Confirming and affirming instructions
Reporting any issues immediately, and remaining calm
Keeping supervisors and critical coworkers informed
Actively listening, accepting criticism, and offering feedback
Accurate reporting and logging tasks (when necessary or asked)
6. Being a team player and reliable coworker
One of the main areas an American farm employer will evaluate you in your first 30 days is your ability to work with the team and your reliability as a coworker. American employers want to see you be a team player by:
Respecting coworkers, managers, and supervisors
Helping others when needed or when you notice they need help
Maintaining a positive attitude consistently
Avoiding conflicts with coworkers, managers, and supervisors
7. Show initiative
Employers do not have time to constantly micromanage you or “hold your hand” throughout the day. American farm employers expect their workers to identify what needs to be done and do it without being constantly told or directed. Showing initiative might involve:
Looking for the next task that needs to be done
Staying productive even during downtime
Taking ownership of and responsibility for your assigned tasks
Finding ways to help, or pitching in to help others, after finishing your tasks
Taking initiative can also lead to better opportunities, increased responsibilities, and leadership roles with certain operations.
8. Demonstrate and maintain professionalism
Just because farm work in America is hard manual labor doesn’t mean that farm employers don’t value or expect professionalism from their seasonal workers. It is critical that you approach your role with the utmost professionalism and a serious, career-oriented mindset. Your first 30 days are a crucial time for building your professional reputation through:
Respectful behavior (both on and off the clock)
Maintaining a professional appearance (showing up dressed properly, with your PPE, ready to work)
Following all farm policies, procedures, and safety protocols
Read more about the importance of building a professional reputation as an H-2A worker
Common mistakes to avoid in your first 30 days on the job
Of course, not all American farm or ag business employers are the same, so not all employers are looking for the same things in your first month at work. Sometimes it’s best to know what not to do instead of what to do. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid during your first 30 days:
Arriving late to work
Assuming all farm operations are the same (some farmers want things done differently)
Not being open to criticism or feedback
Ignoring safety instructions
Waiting around for constant supervision and instructions on what to do next
Not asking questions when you’re unsure about something
USA Truck Labor’s training program helps you arrive prepared and ready to excel
One of the best things you can do to succeed in your first month on the job is to come for training ahead of time. Our training program prepares seasonal farm workers in all aspects of operating the same types of trucks found on American farms. From safety procedures to pre- and post-trip inspections to safely maneuvering the truck in a farm environment, our program is designed to put you in a position to succeed from day one.
