Today’s News from the Farm is an interview with a real farm VIP, our Human Resources Manager, Stephanie Ortiz-Villanueva! She’s essential to keeping things running smoothly!
When did you come to Full Belly Farm?
September 2021, almost four years ago! But who’s counting? Things fly by so fast when you’re busy.
And what are you busy doing?
So much. Payroll, onboarding new employees, and working on safety plans. Safety is huge and I run a lot of trainings or organize outside people to do them. There are always new state requirements for trainings, documentation, plans, and more. Recently it’s meant working on our heat illness prevention plan, injury illness prevention program, and workplace violence prevention plan. Staying on top of all the requirements and rules is a never ending task and there are a lot of people here.
Did you have HR experience?
No. I studied business administration at Sac State focusing on risk management and then was working in affordable housing development. I’ve learned on the job and did a UC Davis Professional Development Certificate in Human Resource Management pretty early in my time here. Last year I got my PHR – a certification for professionals in HR.
What’s different about HR for agriculture versus other industries?
Agriculture has different sets of regulations at the state and federal levels. Agriculture used to be more different; there were different overtime and wage laws, but now we’re following the same system as other industries. Farm size also impacts the rules and policies you need to follow. We’re considered a small employer (under 100 employees) so we don’t have quite as many requirements.
In general, it seems like HR is pretty small at farms. Just one person, and at smaller farms, probably not even a full time person. HR and safety often are combined at farms, while in other places, it might be separate.
What do you like about working here?
Trying the new fruits and vegetables I’ve never tried before. The yellow watermelon – didn’t know those existed- mulberries, sungold cherry tomatoes. I like sharing the produce with my family and exposing my kids to new things that I didn’t have when I was younger.
Oh, and of course I love working with the people here.
Often people say “HR is not your friend.” I don’t totally agree with the statement. I want to be a resource, to everyone, and to be supportive and dependable. And fair and realistic.
I really admire how flexible the farm tries to be around scheduling, especially around family needs. I recently came back from maternity leave and have benefitted from that flexibility, starting off working part time.
Thanks for sharing Stephanie! We’re glad to have you back in the office! And thanks for sharing the adorable photo below – of sharing produce with the new addition to the family who isn’t quite ready for the real stuff yet!
