Small area farms feel effect of labor shortage

But in recent years, Ohio’s migrant work force has dwindled, with dire consequences for small to midsize growers, like Johnston. After more than 70 years’ worth of strawberries, the farm — which Mr. Mora now runs with his wife, Martha — has canceled its signature crop for lack of labor. “Thirty years ago, there used to be migrant workers everywhere,” said Mr. Mora, who became a co-owner when he married into the family. “Now, it’s like this.” Mr. Mora noticed a decline about 12 years ago, when regular workers began to lose touch — a grim surprise on a farm where, historically, those who come, stay. Before the drop-off, many migrants had been working at Johnston for more than 20 years. Now, though, “they don’t show up,” Mr. Mora said, leaning on a table in a vacant sales room. By necessity, the Moras started scaling back, bit by bit. Over the past decade, they have reduced their farm’s active acreage from 30 acres to seven to fit their work force, which, during strawberry season, has shrunk from about 15 to three. The downsize isn’t unique in a region dotted with family farms and beset by agricultural labor shortages. As the United States has sought to curb the inflow of illegal immigrant workers, farmers have increasingly turned to federal programs like the H2A guest worker visa, which allows farmers expecting shortages of U.S. labor to employ foreign workers legally without hurting American jobs.