Farmers know that a well-trained workforce is the backbone of a successful operation. Whether it’s running equipment, handling livestock, or following safety protocols, our employees need to be on top of their game. But here’s the thing: most farm workers forget the majority of their training within days of receiving it.

That’s not an exaggeration. Studies show that workers forget up to 60% of their training within 24 hours if it’s not reinforced, and up to 90% within a week. That means a good chunk of the knowledge we invest in training our workers disappears before it even has a chance to be applied. 

If that doesn’t sound expensive enough, consider the hard costs of turnover and retraining. Farms that prioritize effective human resource management experience significant benefits. I read that “reducing employee turnover can save a minimum of $2,500 to $3,000 per departing employee, considering hiring and training costs. Moreover, experienced employees can handle up to 100 more cows per shift than newcomers, highlighting the value of retaining skilled workers” (farms.extension.wisc.edu).

Why Training Is Being Forgotten

We train our workers with the best of intentions. But the reality is, traditional training methods—one-time classroom sessions, thick manuals, or even hands-on demonstrations—don’t stick. Here’s why:

• Lack of Reinforcement – One-and-done training doesn’t work. Workers need periodic reminders and refreshers, especially for complex tasks or safety protocols.
• Information Overload – If you throw too much information at someone in a single session, they’re only going to retain a fraction of it. Training needs to be digestible and spread out over time.
• No On-the-Job References – Many workers don’t have easy access to training materials when they actually need them. If they forget something, they might guess—or worse, make costly mistakes.
• High Turnover Rates – In agriculture, seasonal work and job transitions are common. Constantly retraining new hires is an expensive cycle that eats into efficiency and profitability.

The Cost of Not Reinforcing Training

If workers forget critical training, it impacts everything from safety to productivity. Let’s break it down:

• Safety Risks – Forgotten training leads to accidents. A worker who forgets proper equipment operation or livestock handling techniques puts themselves—and others—at risk.
• Compliance Failures – Agricultural operations are under more scrutiny than ever when it comes to regulations. Poorly trained workers can lead to violations, fines, or even shutdowns.
• Lost Productivity – New hires take time to get up to speed, and when experienced workers leave, their knowledge goes with them. Training gaps mean slower work, more mistakes, and lower yields.
• Wasted Resources – Every hour spent retraining is an hour not spent producing. If a worker forgets something basic and has to be pulled aside for a refresher, it adds up over time.

A Smarter Way to Train and Retain Workers

• The key isn’t just to train—it’s to reinforce training at the right time and in the right way. Farms that succeed in workforce development do three things well:
• Deliver Training When It’s Needed – Instead of front-loading training, spread it out. Use technology to provide quick refreshers at the moment a worker needs it.
• Use Simple, Accessible Tools – Workers are more likely to absorb training when it’s easy to access. Whether it’s short videos, mobile-friendly guides, or QR-code-based training references, giving employees the right information at the right time makes a big difference.
• Track and Adjust – Successful farms track employee training and performance. If someone repeatedly makes mistakes, targeted training can address the problem before it costs time or money.

Retaining Knowledge = Retaining Workers

Training and turnover go hand in hand. If we can reduce the amount of retraining we have to do, we’ll see higher efficiency, lower costs, and a more experienced workforce. The numbers don’t lie—keeping skilled workers on board not only saves $2,500 to $3,000 per worker, but also improves efficiency so much that experienced workers can handle up to 100 more cows per shift than newcomers. That’s the kind of impact that hits both the top and bottom lines of a farming operation.

Easing into Technology—One Step at a Time

Many farms are hesitant to integrate new technology, and that’s understandable. Farming is built on tradition, and introducing digital tools can feel overwhelming. But easing into technology may be a smart first step toward better efficiency. Starting small—like using tech to improve how you train workers or how you tell your farm’s story—can make a huge impact without feeling like a big leap.

For instance, instead of relying on paper manuals or verbal instructions that are easily forgotten, farms can use simple tools like QR codes that workers can scan for instant access to training videos or instructions. Similarly, digital platforms can help farms share their story with buyers and consumers, ensuring transparency and building trust.

Technology doesn’t have to be a drastic overhaul. Taking small steps to integrate smart tools into daily operations can help farms stay competitive, reduce costs, and build a stronger, more knowledgeable workforce.

Farming has enough uncertainties—weather, markets, input costs—but training shouldn’t be one of them. By shifting to smarter training strategies that reinforce learning and easing into technology, we can build a more reliable, knowledgeable, and productive workforce. And that’s a change worth making.