In an effort to understand the nationwide problem of recruitment, training, and retention of farm workers, 28 representative New York farm operators with a reputation for success in dealing with hired workers were interviewed in the summer of 1966. Information obtained included personal and educational characteristics, attitudes and aspirations, characteristics of the farm, labor on the farm, employer-employee relationships, supervision, and opinions with illustrative examples. Some general positive policies and practices resulting in good relationships were: (1) Conscious effort was initiated by the employer to produce mutually satisfactory relationships, (2) Relationships resulted from a combination of policies and practices plus a genuine liking for farm work, (3) Fair treatment was considered important by employees, (4) Supervision of seasonal labor by owner-operators or by regular employees rather than by crew leaders who recruited and transported the workers resulted in better relationships, and (5) Providing year round employment and fringe benefits resulted in better quality workers. Major difficulties were use of disrespectful language and failure to give sufficiently explicit instructions to employees. Included are case study summaries and a check list on worker-employer relations. (DM)