Ag Compliance | TNT Management

Agricultural compliance in 2025 means managing evolving labor laws, safety regulations, and documentation requirements—all while trying to run a productive farm. If you're a new grower in Oregon or anywhere across the West Coast, keeping up with compliance isn’t just a best practice—it’s essential to protect your operation, your workers, and your future.

At TNT Management Resources, we specialize in helping ag businesses stay compliant without being buried in paperwork. Here’s what new growers need to know in 2025—and how to get the right support from day one.

What Does Ag Compliance Cover for New Growers?

Ag compliance covers everything from wage laws and workers’ comp to housing standards and I-9 verification. In 2025, these rules are stricter and more frequently enforced—especially for farms hiring seasonal or migrant labor.

You’re responsible for ensuring every hire, housing unit, and work hour meets state and federal requirements. This includes:

• Accurate payroll: You must track hours precisely and pay on time, including overtime and minimum wage compliance.
• Workforce documentation: I-9s, W-4s, and employee agreements need to be correct, up to date, and securely stored.
• Safety and housing: You must provide safe working conditions and housing (if applicable) that meet OSHA and local health standards.
• Risk management: Workers’ comp coverage, injury reporting, and return-to-work protocols must be in place before your season starts.

Missing even one detail can lead to fines, delays, or a shutdown—so it’s critical to get ahead of these requirements early.

How Have Compliance Rules Changed in 2025?

In 2025, Oregon and other Western states expanded worker protections, increased audits, and boosted enforcement funding. For new growers, this means more eyes on their paperwork and less margin for error.

Recent updates include:

• Higher penalties for late or incorrect wage payments
• Tighter documentation standards for H-2A workers
• New digital recordkeeping rules that require secure and accessible employee files
• Expanded OSHA inspections, especially during peak harvest months

If you’re new to farming or just starting to scale, these changes can feel overwhelming. That’s where the right partner can make all the difference.

Why PEO Support Helps New Growers Stay Compliant

Partnering with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) like TNT Management gives you built-in compliance expertise—without having to build your own HR department.

We handle critical tasks so you don’t have to, including:

• Onboarding and I-9 support: We verify documents and manage the process to avoid mistakes or delays.
• Payroll and wage compliance: We ensure every employee is paid correctly, on time, and fully compliant with Oregon and federal law.
• Audit preparation: We keep your records organized and accessible so you're always ready for an inspection.
• Housing and risk assessments: We help you meet safety and labor standards—before inspectors come knocking.

By outsourcing these responsibilities, you can focus on your crops and crews, not government paperwork.

What To Look For in an Ag Compliance Partner

Not every payroll provider or HR service understands the nuances of ag compliance. You need a partner who knows the field—literally and legally.

Here’s what to look for:

• Experience with ag clients: Ag compliance isn’t generic HR. Choose a partner who knows your industry.
• Localized knowledge: State rules vary widely. Pick a team that understands Oregon-specific labor laws.
• Full-service support: Look for a provider that can handle payroll, compliance, housing, and risk—not just one piece.
• Responsive communication: You need answers fast, especially during harvest. Choose a team known for service, not sales pitches.

At TNT, we’ve supported growers across Oregon since 1992. Our team knows what it takes to stay compliant—and we’re ready to help you get started with confidence.

Want help getting your ag compliance right from the start? Let’s talk.

TNT Management Resources is here to support new growers with the tools, training, and guidance you need to build a strong foundation. Reach out today and take the guesswork out of compliance.