Arizona Farmers and Prisoners

The difference between the Colorado program and the Arizona one, is that in Arizona they make a wage that allows them to save money for when they are released.

Some farms use inmates for relief from labor shortages

Dennis Mitchell, Cronkite News Service

ARLINGTON - At the entry gate to Hickman’s Egg Ranch southwest of Phoenix, a visitor will be greeted by a worker in an orange jumpsuit with the letters “ADC” stamped down the pant leg.

About 50 prisoners from the Arizona Department of Corrections work here, packing egg cartons, loading trucks, constructing new barns, welding and making compost.

Inmates such as Courtney Reynolds, who is serving a six-year sentence at the Perryville State Prison Complex for drug-related crimes, say working here allows them to learn job skills and earn money for when they are released. Some go on to work for Hickman’s as regular employees.

“This program is really a good opportunity for those of us that put forth the effort,” said Reynolds, who has worked at the egg ranch for five months. “A lot of these guys have never used a tool before.”

It’s also a good opportunity for Hickman’s, which began using inmate labor about 12 years ago as a way to maintain a steady supply of workers in an industry that faces constant labor shortages, said Clint Hickman, vice president of sales for the company.

East Valley Tribune