We used to hire exclusively local people to do farm work. The problem is the desire of those on unemployment to do the hot, physically-demanding, long hours of work. There simply is no desire or drive, generally speaking, for them to do that kind of work. I am sure there are those who would be willing to do the work but might not be able to stand up to the physical demands of farm work. Farmers are not the sole proprietors of illegal immigration into this country. The problem is here and is not going to be fixed by any rant on this board. Call your Congressman and Senators and tell them to stop stalling on political budgetary issues and start doing what they were sent to Washington to do.

I think we need to keep in mind that there are plenty of welfare recipiants that need work too. This would help the taxpayers as well. Remember the CCC Corp. Why can't our country consider that as well. While many immigrant workers may be legal, we still need a way to put our own to work over those that are ILLEGAL.

FarmersVoice and btneast I was wondering after reading some of the comments below if someone needs to define ILLEGAL for you?

No, but you may want to look into a reading comprehension course. I am against illegal immigration anywhere anytime. I think a lot of people erroneously assume that all or most migrant workers are here illegally, and thats not the case. Are there some that are illegal, you bet....send them back I guess. The ones that are here voluntarily work the fields. Some of those aspire for more, and move on to better things. It's a stepping stone into a better world, like any entry level job.

FarmersVoice and btneast I was wondering after reading some of the comments below if someone needs to define ILLEGAL for you? FarmersVoice, if your workers are as you say "all legal to be here" no problem. You shouldn't be worried about the whole allowing illegal workers into the United States or North Carolina. Problem solved for you, but your neigboring farmers may have a different story.

Take all those on unemployment a put them in the fields. Like the old CCC workers.

Imported food does not cost the taxpayers that much and is a lot cheaper

But I don't think the tax he is withholding covers the expense these workers are costing our state.

Hardly anyone pays individually enough tax to pay for any one service. I put two girls through Wake County Public Schools, and I know my property taxes alone did not cover their costs to the county, even though it sure felt like it did.

Maybe you missed where he stated he withheld taxes on his workers?...btneast

No, I didn't miss that part at all. But I don't think the tax he is withholding covers the expense these workers are costing our state. And have you forgotten that a good precentage of these workers (NOT ALL) are working in the US illegally? I'm sorry illegal is illega anyway you look at it. So you are saying that farmers should be able to hire workers that are not legally in the US? And, I guess other businesses should jump right in and ask that we let even more illegals cross the borders so they can hire them. And we wonder what is wrong with our country...wow. OPEN THE GATES

I also agree with many others making comments about the Prison & Jail systems being used for labor to farmers as well as construction and work on our highways

I agree with the sentiment on this, but the logistics involved would likely make it a non starter. Inmates require security as well as transportation back and forth from the prison. I'm all for hard labor while in prison, but forced labor will not be gentle with the crops, and that is essential on some crops. What incentive does an inmate have to do the job right as well? If he screws up, tears up the field, or picks crops not yet ready, he causes more damage than good. What are you going to do, threaten to send him to prison? It's just not a realistic option.

@FarmersVoice I am sorry but you are putting a burden on the rest of us considering our tax dollars feed and provide heathcare, among other things for your workers.

Maybe you missed where he stated he withheld taxes on his workers?

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