MO AgConnection Brings Farmers & Students Together During Disruptive Times
AgButler is a gig economy platform that serves as a solution to a rural labor shortage in America. They provide on-demand jobs giving farmers and ranchers access to a high-quality labor force while boosting rural economies. Similar to “ride sharing” technology, AgButler’s system allows farmers, ranchers and/or agribusinesses to connect with available laborers filtered by location, ratings, work experience and availability.
AgButler is able to post job listings in industries such as livestock, crops or transportation. Farmers are able to list the work period as well as the salary per hour for a job. Next, laborers are able to view the available listings and select one based off of pay, location and time frame.
This Missouri startup has recently partnered with the Missouri Farm Bureau to create MO AgConnection, connecting students who are home during COVID-19 with farmers and ranchers who need assistance maintaining critical food supplies.
High school and college students are facing unexpected school closures and are now home and unemployed. The Missouri Farm Bureau saw these times as an opportunity to provide agriculture students the experience that could help prepare them enter into the field with hands-on training, while also providing farmers with the extra help they need.
These real-life on-the-job experiences can teach students necessary skills. Farmers understand the importance of social distancing, sanitizing equipment and keeping employees safe during the pandemic. AgButler is offering this service for free through the end of June to help farmers and students gain a foothold during this crisis. Students and farmers can access the platform at AgButlerApp.org/Connection.