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As Oklahoma farmers and ranchers continue to grapple with the ongoing farm labor shortage, Todd Miller, Founder and Owner of Head Honchos, provided valuable insights into the H-2A agricultural worker program.
The H-2A program, a cornerstone for agricultural labor since its origins as the Braceros program in the 1940s, enables U.S. producers to legally employ seasonal foreign workers. According to Miller, Head Honchos acts as a turnkey agency, guiding producers from the initial identification of labor needs through the complex immigration paperwork and even travel logistics to ensure workers arrive at the farm gate, ready to contribute.
“We handle all the immigration paperwork from start to finish–even acting as the travel agent on the back end to make sure we get the workers to your door,” said Miller. “It’s a tried-and-true process we’ve been perfecting for 25 years, providing a guaranteed solution to labor needs in over 40 states.”
Despite its benefits, Miller noted that the H-2A program has not seen substantial reform since 1986, with the current 10-month limit on worker stays being a top concern among producers. “Everyone needs the workers longer,” Miller shared. “The value these workers provide is enormous, but producers have to say goodbye at the end of 10 months, which is the hardest part.”
For producers seeking a more permanent solution, Miller explained that Head Honchos also assists with the Green Card program, or permanent resident alien card. Through this avenue, farmers can sponsor dependable workers for a ten-year stay, though the process is more involved and costly.
Head Honchos offers flexible pricing, with annual fees typically ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 for up to four workers, and custom proposals available for larger operations. All paperwork is renewed annually to comply with visa requirements, something Miller says his clients find to be a “great value.” Farmers and ranchers interested in learning more can contact Head Honchos at (210) 695-1648 or visit www.headhonchosllc.com.
