Ag Labor Employment Up in Washington

According to a recent Agricultural Labor Employment and Wages report compiled by the Employment Security Department (ESD), total agricultural employment for the state of Washington increased 8.7 percent from May 2012 to May 2013.  Here are some other highlights: 

• From April 2013 to May 2013, statewide total agricultural employment increased 4.2 percent
• South central Washington (Klickitat and Yakima area) had the largest total agriculture employment increase with 1,850 jobs.
• Seasonal agricultural employment for apples and cherries was up 1,790 and 370 respectively, while Asparagus was down 1,580 jobs and Onion work was down 780 jobs.
• While employment was up, statewide average inflation-adjusted agricultural seasonal employee wage rates actually decreased 1.6 percent from May 2012 to May 2013, however, the inflation adjusted state minimum wage increased 4.3 percent during the same period.  

Not surprisingly, the overall increase is most likely  driven by this year’s growing season beginning a week or so earlier than last year’s.  Also, as mother nature can always throw multiple curveballs (good or bad),  it may be a little early to read into any of these numbers.     

For more analysis of the report, the Capital press has a great article that can be accessed here:  http://www.capitalpress.com/newsletter/djw-labor-w-art-062013. 

For the full ESD report visit here:  https://fortress.wa.gov/esd/employmentdata/docs/industry-reports/ag-employment-wage-report-2013-05.pdf

David Enquist, CPA