Author Bio

Lais McCartney is an Extension Educator with Purdue Extension in Hancock County, working in Agriculture and Natural Resources and supporting the volunteer-led educational Master Gardener program. She also serves as the Indiana SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) state coordinator, assisting farmers, educators, and partners with grant development, project implementation, and outreach. With over five years of experience in Extension, her work centers on community engagement, volunteer development, and applied education that bridges research and local practice. Lais is particularly interested in volunteer motivation, adult learning, and the role of digital skills in strengthening engagement and educational outcomes. She is currently pursuing graduate studies focused on applied research and transformational learning, examining volunteer motivation and persistence within Cooperative Extension. Lais values relationship-building, systems thinking, and equity-driven approaches to education. Presentation: Things to consider when adding farm labor to your farm: Hiring and managing farm labor can be one of the biggest challenges for small farms. In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies to attract and retain workers, build clear HR structures, and create a positive farm culture. We’ll cover essentials like housing, childcare, transportation, and labor cost management. Learn how to improve communication and design incentives that work. Whether you’re hiring your first employee or expanding your team, this session will give you tools to manage labor effectively and sustainably.