WAHPETON

The Breckenridge Migrant Program will continue its run this year, despite the general expectation that no work will be available this summer.

About 30 families have already arrived to town from Texas and elsewhere in search of agricultural jobs, some trying to avoid the widespread unemployment and factory closings in their native cities. Last year, few families appeared unless they were guaranteed work.

Several have started to collect rocks from the fields, but that work may soon dry up.

"It's still a question of what's going to happen after the rock cleanup finishes," said Maribelle Molina, family service worker.

However, some farmers intend to train the migrant workers on crop cultivation and planting, where more will be used on tractors, she added.

The annual program headquartered at Breckenridge Elementary-Middle School has carried on for more than three decades, offering work to families and education for their children. Cities such as Campbell, Minn., and Wahpeton used to hold similar programs, but the advent of chemical herbicides has whittled down the need for migrant workers. Now Breckenridge remains as one of seven communities in the state to offer it.

Still, the number of families filing in has surprised program staff, who also expected less children.

"We've got the same amount of kids, which is kind of shocking," said Molina. "We thought the farmers would say don't call, but apparently it's the opposite."

The total number of participants will be tallied on Friday, which will determine the continuation of the program next year.