Agricultural & Foreign Labor Services October News and Highlights

At Michigan Works! Association Annual Conference held September 6–8 in Kalamazoo, Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Office of Employment and Training was recognized as the 2025 Champion of Workforce Development. This annual award is given to a leader who demonstrates exceptional vision, commitment and measurable impact in advancing Michigan’s public workforce system.

“Stephanie Beckhorn’s steadfast advocacy for Michigan’s workforce system has been unparalleled. Through her leadership, she has strengthened the state’s workforce infrastructure, expanded access to career pathways, and advanced opportunities for individuals statewide,” stated Ryan Hundt, Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “She is a workforce champion in every sense, and we are proud to acknowledge her contributions.”

Stephanie is always supportive of programs and initiatives that support Michigan’s agricultural sector. Her commitment and meaningful engagement continue to make a lasting impact across the region.

Staff from Agricultural and Foreign Labor Services (AFLS) proudly represented AFLS at the 2025 Michigan Works! Annual Conference, the largest workforce development convening in the state. With more than 650 workforce professionals, policymakers and industry leaders in attendance, the event served as a dynamic platform for learning, collaboration and innovation.

The team actively participated in specialized training sessions, strategic keynotes and high-impact networking engagements, all aimed at enhancing Michigan’s workforce programs and service delivery. Their contributions helped amplify the voice of farmworker communities and agricultural employers, while reinforcing our shared commitment to inclusive workforce development.

Participation in this statewide convening not only deepened the team's understanding of emerging trends, but it also strengthened partnerships and provided actionable insights that will inform future strategy, program design and service delivery across our unit.

Gov. Whitmer proclaimed October as Michigan Agritourism Month – the perfect time for family-friendly fun at any of the hundreds of agritourism farms and orchards across Michigan.

The month-long celebration recognizes the economic and social benefits of agritourism to our state’s farms and communities and provides an opportunity to celebrate Michigan’s thriving food and agriculture industry.

Read more about ways to celebrate the month here.

Jesus Ruiz Santos has joined the Agriculture and Foreign Labor Services NFJP team as the new Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator.

Jesus brings valuable experience from his work with the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, where he supported individuals and families in accessing vital state programs.

He is also a proud graduate of Lansing Community College and Ferris State University. His commitment to public service and passion for advancing equity and opportunities will be great assets to our work.

Jesus shared that he looks forward to contributing his experience and dedication to this important work and to building strong connections with colleagues and the communities we serve.

On September 4, NFJP Outreach and Enrollment Coordinators Abigail Frost and Cristo Garcia participated in the Wellness Family Event hosted by Telamon New Era Early Childhood and Family Support Services. The event, held in New Era, MI, was designed to support families with children entering school by connecting them to local resources and programs, such as the NFJP.

Abigail and Cristo partnered with Agricultural Employment Liaisons Jose Barco and Julia Briones to conduct outreach and share details about the NFJP. Throughout the day, they engaged with community members, highlighting the program’s career and training services and the employment opportunities available.

One attendee expressed a strong interest in pursuing a welding license but was unsure how to get started. After learning about NFJP, he requested more information and was scheduled for a pre-assessment to determine eligibility. He also received guidance on the next steps to begin his training journey.

Partnering with Julia and Jose provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with families, support their employment aspirations, and increase community awareness of NFJP services. The event resulted in multiple new connections, with several individuals expressing interest in pursuing eligibility follow-up.

NFJP Team Develops Connections at Reenders Blueberry Farms

On September 23, Business and Community Liaison Diana Hernandez Garcia and Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator Abigail Frost joined Agricultural Employment Liaison Ruben Santellan for an outreach visit at Reenders Blueberry Farms in West Olive, MI.

During the farm’s lunch break, the team connected with approximately 30 domestic farmworkers, sharing informational flyers and business cards about the NFJP. Diana delivered a presentation in Spanish to ensure workers clearly understood the services available.

The team shared information about support services available through the NFJP to help workers maintain their employment at Reenders, such as childcare and transportation assistance, as well as career and training opportunities like English as a Second Language and GED attainment. They also presented options for housing assistance, including both short-term and long-term housing assistance. Diana and Abby went around the room connecting directly with workers to ask if they had any questions about the information presented to them and provided direct contact information.

Farm owner Luke Reenders also spent time with Diana discussing opportunities to create a streamlined process for supporting Reender's employees through the NFJP. Luke expressed interest in exploring training options, including pesticide training, Commercial Driver’s Licenses and heavy tractor operation opportunities for his employees.

The visit proved highly successful in strengthening relationships with both workers and the employer. As the NFJP continues its outreach across the state, we invite employers, service providers and community members to join us. Whether by collaborating on future events, sharing resources or helping employers and farmworkers access NFJP services, your partnership makes a difference.

Please visit the National Farmworker Jobs Program page for more information.

Explore Opportunities on Pure Michigan Talent Connect

Michigan has thousands of jobs throughout the state in many different industries, including many full-time jobs with benefits in the Food and Agricultural Industry, as well as in the Agri-business sector. Search for your next job today at Pure Michigan Talent Connect (MiTalent.org)!

View a list of agricultural jobs.

Foreign Labor Analyst Mercedes Chavez recently conducted a post-certification site visit to Haworth, Inc., a company renowned for designing and selling high-quality, sustainable furniture for workspaces. Based in Holland, MI, Haworth participates in the H-2B Temporary Labor Certification Program for Non-Agricultural Workers. Now in its third year of participation, the program has been positively received and continues to meet the company’s seasonal labor needs.

This season, two valued team members from Guatemala arrived later than expected due to an earthquake in their home country. Thankfully, their families are safe and their experience at Haworth reflects the company’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. Employees feel genuinely welcomed, with Spanish-speaking staff and interpreters readily available to ensure clear communication. Haworth’s team is attentive to both professional and personal needs, cultivating a culture of care and respect.

Workers consistently praise the company’s strong safety standards, employee well-being initiatives, and the spirit of teamwork that defines daily operations. Clear communication and consistent enforcement of policies contribute to a workplace where fairness and security are deeply valued.

Both employees expressed their hope of returning in future seasons, a testament to the positive impact of Haworth’s workplace culture.

Get details on the H-2B program and application process here.

A key component of the Monitor Advocate System is to annually review the services provided to farm workers at all Michigan Works! Service Centers. The State Workforce Agencies throughout the country must provide agricultural workers’ employment and training services at the same level as provided to non-agricultural workers or higher. There are eight standards developed by the U.S. Department of Labor referred to as Equity Ratio Indicators (ERIs), which are:

1. Received Basic Career Services
2. Received Individual Career Services
3. Received Staff Assisted Career Guidance Services
4. Received Staff Assisted Job Search Activities
5. Received Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claim Assistance
6. Referred to Employment
7. Referred to Federal Training
8. Referred to Other Federal or State Assistance

For states across the country, meeting all eight ERI’s is challenging. Agricultural workers – migratory or seasonal – always have a firm commitment to employment. They may encounter some breaks between crops at the farms where housing is provided and as a result may be unemployed for short periods of time and not seeking employment. In addition, a high percentage of agricultural workers do not seek assistance filing for unemployment as many of them file in the state where they reside permanently.

A recent review of services provided to farm workers at the Traverse City Service Center found that 2,400 MSFWs were contacted through outreach services and approximately 375 were registered for career services. The Traverse City Service Center is one of several throughout the state that offers direct unemployment services. All customers, including migrant and seasonal farmworkers, can access in person unemployment services by visiting the center.

2026 Region 5 Monitor Advocate Convening 

Michigan has been selected to host the 2026 Region 5 State Monitor Advocate (SMA) Convening with assistance from Regional Monitor Advocate Ray Garcia. 

The last convening was held in Chicago and attended by all ten Region 5 SMAs. This is an incredible opportunity for Michigan to showcase its commitment to serving migrant and seasonal farm workers, with a primary focus on supporting the needs of SMAs.

Learn more about the Monitor Advocate System here.