Local Labor Brings in the Harvest
June 5, 2011 – 7:43 am |
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By Mark Davis The Atlanta Journal-Constitution PELHAM — The big engine growled as the tractor-trailer pulled away into the twilight. The truck held cantaloupes, harvested in a hurry that hot day. In his air-conditioned office at Weybrenee Farms in Mitchell County, Brent Brinkley totaled the daily take and looked pleased. Thirty-seven crates, 10 tons of sweetness. His inexperienced work force was getting the job done. “We’re blessed,” he said. He felt otherwise six weeks ago. A migrant labor crew that harvested his cantaloupes last year didn’t come to Georgia this picking season. The workers, Brinkley said, stayed away because they
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