http://www.agweb.com/blogs/ Experts cover today’s key dairy labor issues and offer fool-proof techniques to optimize employee performance, sat­isfaction and longevity. AgWeb.comhttp://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/be_the_boss_hispanic_employees_expect_it/In “low power distance” countries like Mexico, employees don’t expect to be decision makers. Recognizing the cultural dynamics of hierarchy and expectations can help you better manage your dairy labor.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 03 Jan 2011 14:56:00 GMT22748http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/a_thin_line_immigration_compliance/With workplace audits an Obama priority, complying with immigration laws presents significant challenges for employers. Here are valuable I-9 pointers from a labor attorney who works regularly with dairies on immigration laws.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 10 Jan 2011 10:44:00 GMT22790http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/culture_and_compensation/Many farms offer non-cash bonuses to their employees. The catch is to be sure these extras truly offer value to employees, especially if they come from a foreign culture. Dairy Today: Labor MattersSun, 16 Jan 2011 17:13:00 GMT22854http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/what_you_must_know_about_social_security_mismatch_and_immigration_obligations_/Establishing procedures to address mismatches consistently must be a part of every employer’s immigration compliance strategy.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 24 Jan 2011 11:00:00 GMT22898http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/bridging_the_employerhispanic_labor_gap_with_a_trip_to_mexico/With its mission to promote cultural understanding, the Puentes/Bridges program brings dairy producers to Mexico to learn more about their employees’ language, culture and family.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 28 Jan 2011 16:54:00 GMT22956http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/create_a_positive_work_environment_for_your_hispanic_employees/You don’t have to spend a lot of money to develop a good work climate. Here are several ways to improve morale and team work even in tough economic times.​Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 07 Feb 2011 11:00:00 GMT23004http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/immigration_and_dairy_got_reform_in_2011/The immigration issue is simply too important to ignore, so here is a snapshot of the proposed solution, the political reality and what you can do to protect your business in the meantime. Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 14 Feb 2011 11:03:00 GMT23071http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/comprehensive_immigration_reform_in_the_current_congress__any_takers/What does the new Congress mean for agriculture and dairy? There’s good and bad news. Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 18 Feb 2011 10:36:00 GMT23122http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/where_do_i_park_my_car/Make sure new employees know and understand the rules of your dairy. It's been found that if an employee gets a good start, he or she is much more likely to stay at the business. Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 28 Feb 2011 11:01:00 GMT23184http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/california_court_endorses_the_use_of_salary_agreements/A recent court decision will have a significant impact on how dairy employers – not just in California but potentially nationwide -- pay their employees.​Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 07 Mar 2011 11:00:00 GMT23232http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/they_told_me_i_had_to_be_competent,_but_culturally_competent/Increasing numbers of dairy employees are immigrants. Whether you like it or not, you are called upon to be a culturally competent employer.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 14 Mar 2011 11:06:00 GMT23277http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/great_employees_through_great_management/Misunderstandings and mistakes have led to good employees leaving the job, and also good managers being taken advantage of by employees.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 21 Mar 2011 11:00:00 GMT23331http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/can_individual_state_laws_provide_dairy_producers_hope_on_immigration_issues/The growing number of individual state actions and the recent recommendation from the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee might actually spur Congress to move on immigration.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 28 Mar 2011 09:00:00 GMT23386http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/tips_for_conducting_a_successful_training_session_for_your_dairy’s_hispanic_employees/Providing pizza in a comfortable meeting environment and limiting information to six points are among ways to ensure successful training. Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 04 Apr 2011 09:00:00 GMT23420http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/immigration_reform_view_from_the_front_lines_of_the_dc_budget_wars/2011 will be dominated by the federal budget, making it tough for any other message to be heard. But immigration reform advocates cannot just walk away.​Dairy Today: Labor MattersWed, 13 Apr 2011 12:21:00 GMT23491http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/osha,_ertk_--_they_aren’t_just_found_in_alphabet_soup/There are increasing reports of OSHA inspections on dairy farms in the Midwest, so it may only be a matter of time before your farm is on the inspection list of one or more alphabet soup agencies.Dairy Today: Labor MattersSun, 17 Apr 2011 23:44:00 GMT23519http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/be_prepared_for_government_inspections/Today, it’s not a matter of if but when your business faces a government inspection. Dairies and other businesses should have protocols in place to handle inspections and investigations.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 25 Apr 2011 18:01:00 GMT23565http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/a_closer_look_at_puentesbridges_trips_to_rural_mexico_/Visiting the hometowns of your dairy’s employees builds understanding and cements relationships. Here’s a look at itineraries, costs and other details.​Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 02 May 2011 11:29:00 GMT23628http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/Know_Your_Market_281/¡adios,_amigo/When good employees have to leave.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 09 May 2011 07:05:00 GMT23668http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/immigration_returns_to_the_spotlight/The President's speech last week revived talk of immigration reform. If Congress acts this year, will E-Verify legislation trump comprehensive reform? Dairy Today: Labor MattersSat, 14 May 2011 12:33:00 GMT23717http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/little_gestures_go_a_long_way_with_your_workers/Simple daily actions will boost the morale and “feeling good at work” sentiments of your workers, Hispanic or not, leading to increased worker retention and comfort in the workplace.Dairy Today: Labor MattersSun, 22 May 2011 16:20:00 GMT23773http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/the_supreme_court_rules_on_the_“other”_arizona_law/Unwelcome news for dairy producers, the decision will have a significant impact on immigration.Dairy Today: Labor MattersThu, 26 May 2011 18:22:00 GMT23822http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/employees_and_training_are_investments_worth_cultivating/You need to invest in employees if you want top performance from them and from your farm.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 06 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT23881http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/is_human_resource_management_the_weak_link_at_your_dairy/With employment litigation now the fastest-growing area of U.S. lawsuits, turning a blind eye to human resource principles opens your dairy to the threat of costly legal action.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 13 Jun 2011 12:30:00 GMT23939http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/confianza_y_compromiso_¿qué_son_trust_and_commitment_what_are_they/Look for ways to develop trust and commitment with your employees. Help them and to be part of their lives. They will pay you back with loyalty, hard work and results.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 17 Jun 2011 17:34:00 GMT23978http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/preparation_is_key_for_i-9_audits/Here’s valuable advice on what to expect before – and after – a “silent raid” by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 27 Jun 2011 10:35:00 GMT24032http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/reduced_employee_turnover_brings_i-9_benefits_to_your_dairy/Each hire represents a potential liability for you if I-9 requirements are not followed. So, increasing the length of time an employee remains on your team reduces the number of I-9 forms and limits your legal exposure.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 04 Jul 2011 06:01:00 GMT24067http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/conflict_resolution_in_the_workplace/Learning to deal with conflict is a very important skill. When handled correctly conflict could be a path for personal growth and could increase efficiency in the workplace. Dairy Today: Labor MattersTue, 12 Jul 2011 09:01:00 GMT24138http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/when_hiring_undocumented_workers_goes_criminal_/In the absence of immigration reform, most do their best to follow the law but are uncomfortably aware that they remain vulnerable to legal sanctions.​Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 18 Jul 2011 08:58:00 GMT24194http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/time_management_is_a_task_for_every_day/Planning helps get important tasks done before they become critically urgent and helps put unimportant tasks in their proper place. Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 25 Jul 2011 11:26:00 GMT24239http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/take_control_of_your_workforce_sooner_rather_than_later/Avoid labor lawsuits and litigation costs by actively engaging with your employees and proactively managing your dairy to prevent small problems from becoming big ones.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 01 Aug 2011 06:34:00 GMT24279http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/immigration_reform__what_would_it_mean_for_your_employees/Consider the reaction of immigrant dairy employees if immigration reform were passed.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 08 Aug 2011 12:41:00 GMT24333http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/to_bonus_or_not_to_bonus/Does the extra money motivate employees, or do they just come to expect it?Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 15 Aug 2011 04:52:00 GMT24386http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/required_e-verify_use_moves_closer_to_reality/The Supreme Court's decision to uphold Arizona’s E-Verify law has spurred more legislative proposals requiring employers to use the employee verification system.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 22 Aug 2011 11:41:00 GMT24450http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/ten_management_don’ts_for_your_dairy/Follow these suggestions yourself, and ask everybody from managers to all employees to stick to them on a daily basis.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 29 Aug 2011 11:18:00 GMT24487http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/e-verify_cometh/Dairy producers should be concerned about Congressman Lamar Smith’s proposed legislation to mandate the employee authorization system.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 02 Sep 2011 10:15:00 GMT24519http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/be_sure_everybody_in_your_system_has_their_protocols_in_line/A custom heifer raiser’s recent experience with drug residue problems raises concerns for future marketings – and highlights your dairy's need to address drug handling and administration.Dairy Today: Labor MattersSat, 10 Sep 2011 13:20:00 GMT24563http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/stopping_the_torment_of_workers’_compensation_abuse_/Tips on managing the cost of workers’ compensation claims and limiting their manipulation and misuse.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 19 Sep 2011 06:40:00 GMT24607http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/shifting_labor_paradigms/How do you see your employees: As a necessary evil or as your greatest asset? Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 26 Sep 2011 05:02:00 GMT24669http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/train_your_milkers_to_make_you_more_money/If you haven’t yet provided training to your milking crew, don’t assume they already understand or that they don’t need to understand.Dairy Today: Labor MattersSun, 02 Oct 2011 17:55:00 GMT24720http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/legal_workforce_act_marked_up_lacks_ag_labor_fix/Representative Lamar Smith’s “Legal Workforce Act” proposes re-tooling the current H2A visa program and limiting the number of visas to 500,000 per year. But the current demands of agriculture are for at least 1.2 million workers annually.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 10 Oct 2011 15:32:00 GMT24818http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/sops_a_great_tool_for_effective_communication_on_dairies/Well-written standard operating procedures provide direction, improve communication, reduce training time and improve work consistency.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 14 Oct 2011 13:46:00 GMT24862http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/it’s_the_economy,_stupid/The Georgia and Alabama laws are a piecemeal approach to a broken immigration system. Perhaps it is time for their supporters to acknowledge that their “solution” is based on a ridiculously simplistic view of the economy.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 24 Oct 2011 12:50:00 GMT24941http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/spell_it_out_in_an_employee_handbook/Put your policies in writing to clarify and protect. Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 31 Oct 2011 10:52:00 GMT24994http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/are_you_making_accountability_work_for_you/Dairies are taking greater control of employee performance and succeeding at creating a culture of high performance that benefits both the business and the employees.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT25066http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/shape_shifters/Empower your folks to do their best. It will only make your dairy better. Do all you can to empower them. You won’t regret it. Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 14 Nov 2011 05:36:00 GMT25140http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/work_to_live_and_live_to_work/Human resources withered as a result of dairies’ recent rocky financial ground. Now that milk prices have improved, consider adding some extra help, readjusting schedules or giving furloughed employees a few more hours.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 21 Nov 2011 10:52:00 GMT25210http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/another_two_years_lost_on_immigration_reform/With the overall congressional approval rating running at about 12%, there aren't nearly enough members of Congress willing to lead on the critical immigration issue because they fear the backlash.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 28 Nov 2011 11:25:00 GMT25261http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/the_art_of_active_listening/By becoming a better listener, you will improve your leadership and management skills.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 05 Dec 2011 10:24:00 GMT25326http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/holiday_wish_list_for_the_dairy_industry/2011 has been much more Grinch than Santa as it relates to dairy and immigration. I hope for broader, more fundamental changes for 2012.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 12 Dec 2011 12:07:00 GMT25401http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/plan_for_employee_safety/Your employees are important assets to your farming business. You owe it to them to provide a safe workplace. Develop a culture of safety on your dairy.​Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 16 Dec 2011 15:13:00 GMT25454http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/immigration_prosecutions_continue_in_the_dairy_industry/Enforcement of immigration laws against employers remains a priority for ICE, and these recent actions indicate that the dairy industry is squarely in the government’s sight. Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 26 Dec 2011 04:10:00 GMT25512http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/double-check_your_documents/What you must know about immigration compliance and I-9 forms.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 30 Dec 2011 11:46:00 GMT25565http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/learn_from_employee_exit_interviews/Take every opportunity to learn what you can from departing employees. Consider these pointers and sample questions. Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 09 Jan 2012 04:04:00 GMT25639http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/got_immigration_inquiries_expect_bleak_answers/You probably won’t like what you hear about employee visas, sponsorships and other immigration status questions.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 16 Jan 2012 03:36:00 GMT25730http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/walk_a_mile_in_my_shoes/In a polarized world, much might be different if we only understood each other better.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 23 Jan 2012 10:42:00 GMT25815http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/first_day_at_the_job__/The top 10 things to have ready for your employee’s orientation day at your dairy.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 30 Jan 2012 04:09:00 GMT25863http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/what_motivates_your_dairy_employees/Dairy managers may think they know what employees want for their happiness in the workplace, but there is evidence to the contrary.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 06 Feb 2012 05:30:00 GMT25944http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/no-match_letters_quietly_suspended_/The Social Security Administration has not indicated whether or not it will resume sending no-match letters in spring 2012. Employers must stay alert for changes.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 13 Feb 2012 04:29:00 GMT26026http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/three_must-do_labor_management_tasks_for_dairy_producers_in_2012/Here’s good advice on I-9 compliance, employee handbooks and improved communication with your employees.Dairy Today: Labor MattersThu, 16 Feb 2012 22:00:00 GMT26076http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/whats_in_your_job_description/As an owner/manager, put a title on your job and take time to list the necessary tasks on the dairy that only you can perform. This may require a significant attitude change in your thinking.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 02 Mar 2012 17:47:00 GMT26242http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/what_to_expect_with_an_i-9_audit/With ICE promising even more inspections in the future, here is a quick guide to preparing for an I-9 audit of your dairy. Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 12 Mar 2012 11:31:00 GMT26318http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/tips_for_more_effective_delegation/Trying to do too many things at the same time and leaving too little time to focus on other management issues? It’s time to delegate some responsibilities to others at your dairy. Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 16 Mar 2012 21:41:00 GMT26371http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/re-evaluate_your_hiring_process/Are you hiring the right people or leaving it up to chance?Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 26 Mar 2012 11:42:00 GMT26459http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/get_your_new_employees_“on_board”/Onboarding is the complete integration or immersion of new employees to your operation. Properly onboarding new employees takes some extra time, but the time commitment will be worth it.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 30 Mar 2012 12:28:00 GMT26514http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/the_myth_of_progressive_discipline/At some businesses, immediate termination follows a specified number of disciplinary warnings. But this often lacks the flexibility that dairy producers need when managing employees. Fortunately, there are better options.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 09 Apr 2012 12:08:00 GMT26584http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/as_congress_watches,_states_wrestle_with_immigration_laws/Congressional failure to provide national uniformity is leading to several states acting disparately. As that inconsistency becomes more evident, Congress must restore uniform standards on this decidedly national issue. Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 16 Apr 2012 04:14:00 GMT26647http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/dairy_farmer_worst_job_in_america/Given this attitude regarding farming, it should not be surprising that our children are told to study computer science instead of agriculture. It also gives tremendous insight into the rural labor crisis and immigration.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 23 Apr 2012 11:40:00 GMT26730http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/what_is_important_to_your_employees/It may be quite different than you think.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 30 Apr 2012 04:26:00 GMT26766http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/are_you_positive/Are you the manager who only sees what’s wrong at your dairy? Here’s how to turn that around for big results.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 07 May 2012 04:19:00 GMT26862http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/dream_act_provides_insight_for_agriculture’s_immigration_reform_efforts/If Congress can enact the DREAM Act, it would demonstrate that reforming immigration is not impossible, only impossibly slow. It should also put agriculture next in line. Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 14 May 2012 03:04:00 GMT26937http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/do_you_need_a_timeout/Declining milk prices and rising stress levels may trigger emotional outbursts toward employees when they don’t perform as required. Learn to control anger before it controls you.Dairy Today: Labor MattersSat, 19 May 2012 14:11:00 GMT27021http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/4_steps_to_lead_your_team_to_success_/How great managers do it during periods of low milk prices.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 25 May 2012 03:51:00 GMT27083http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/beyond_cows_managing_additional_labor/Bigger herds have created a new mind-set of managing people.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 01 Jun 2012 15:36:00 GMT27149http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/one_strategy_for_correcting_employees_at_work/Try this in your milk parlor.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 08 Jun 2012 17:43:00 GMT27209http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/voters_hold_the_key_to_the_future_of_immigration_reform_/Because the House and Senate will substantially impact 2013 and beyond, it’s worth looking at the Congressional election picture.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 15 Jun 2012 12:04:00 GMT27262http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/wage_and_hour_lawsuits_attack_the_dairy_industry/Employment lawsuits are among the fastest-growing areas of litigation. Do you have a plan to demonstrate compliance? Dairy Today: Labor MattersSun, 24 Jun 2012 12:48:00 GMT27327http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/wake-up_call_for_children_working_on_farms/Even without new federal rules, youth safety on the farm needs to take a front-row seat.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 02 Jul 2012 12:34:00 GMT27397http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/the_summer_of_immigration_hopes_and_dreamers/Do the recent DREAM Act and Arizona legal developments signal the high-water mark for the anti-immigration movement?Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 09 Jul 2012 10:49:00 GMT27445http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/5_prerequisites_for_engaging_your_employees/Do you have what it takes to shape employees who are more productive, safer and more likely to stay at your dairy? Dairy Today: Labor MattersThu, 12 Jul 2012 19:00:00 GMT27484http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/keep_dairy_workers_on_the_safe_side/Your employees must understand the safety procedures for these dairy hazards.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 23 Jul 2012 12:47:00 GMT27544http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/leadership_what_can_we_learn_from_cows_/Consider servant leadership, a style that seems unlikely but actually can be very effective.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 27 Jul 2012 18:43:00 GMT27583http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/is_a_non-traditional_workforce_in_your_future/With the difficulties of hiring immigrant and even local labor, looking outside the typical employee audience may reap benefits.Dairy Today: Labor MattersSun, 12 Aug 2012 14:31:00 GMT27684http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/when_injuries_occur_reasonable_accomodation_and_disability_discrimination/Simple steps you can take to protect your dairy from bogus claims.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 20 Aug 2012 09:56:00 GMT27749http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/“dreamers”_deferred_action_has_candidates_talking_about_immigration/Dairy needs to pay very close attention to the political games being played on this issue, because they will be repeated the next time an immigration solution for agriculture is proposed.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 27 Aug 2012 12:31:00 GMT27814http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/are_you_helping_your_employees_in_their_success/If not, you’re likely to spend an excessive amount of time hiring and training new staff and doing the work for the missing workers. Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 31 Aug 2012 04:21:00 GMT27850http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/what_recent_polls_signal_for_immigration_reform/Maybe our next Congress and Presidential victor will have the courage to approach the issue.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 07 Sep 2012 16:29:00 GMT27934http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/4_traits_of_a_servant_leader_/Characteristics that can bring about real change for the better among your dairy’s employees.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 17 Sep 2012 11:52:00 GMT28006http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/build_employee_management_around_respect_/Have a position description for yourself as well as for each employee. It helps you focus on your appropriate roles and respectfully define your position to others. Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 21 Sep 2012 16:57:00 GMT28055http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/immigration_continues_to_trouble_dairy_producers/Problems remain, and comprehensive immigration reform appears out of reach for now. Here are tips for an immigration compliance plan.Dairy Today: Labor MattersThu, 27 Sep 2012 17:06:00 GMT28106http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/5_tips_to_maximize_labor_productivity/It doesn’t matter if it’s a milker or a herdsman -- hiring the right person for the job is critical to the success of your operation, and it should be taken very seriously. Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 08 Oct 2012 12:40:00 GMT28207http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/what_is_your_management_style/Great leaders are good at adapting to the environment around them and making changes when needed.Dairy Today: Labor MattersSat, 13 Oct 2012 13:50:00 GMT28258http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/where_the_presidential_candidates_stand_on_immigration_policy/A look at Obama’s and Romney’s positions on I-9 audits, visas, enforcement and more.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 29 Oct 2012 11:27:00 GMT28380http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/immigration_enforcement’s_outlook_uncertain/What might the next four years bring for immigration enforcement, especially for agricultural employers?Dairy Today: Labor MattersSat, 03 Nov 2012 12:11:00 GMT28438http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/never_forget_what_it_was_like/When managing your employees, think back to your own first job, previous employer or early mistakes.Dairy Today: Labor MattersSat, 10 Nov 2012 12:05:00 GMT28526http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/on_the_safe_side/How to prepare your dairy for an OSHA audit.Dairy Today: Labor MattersSun, 18 Nov 2012 20:33:00 GMT28617http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/what_does_obamacare_mean_for_farmers/While the law remains uncertain, here's important employer information for implementing the new healthcare mandate.Dairy Today: Labor MattersSat, 24 Nov 2012 18:16:00 GMT28668http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/start_the_new_year_with_focused,_motivated_employees/Have you met with your team leaders, supervisors and middle managers to define next year’s performance expectations and goals? Or conducted an individual performance review and discussed opportunities for growth?Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 30 Nov 2012 16:30:00 GMT28735http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/5_tips_to_improve_your_management_style/Forget the mistakes you may have made with your employees and strive to do better in the future. Dairy Today: Labor MattersSat, 08 Dec 2012 13:30:00 GMT28800http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/make_the_right_choice_with_employees/Resolve to hire team players, not just workers.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 18 Jan 2013 18:04:00 GMT29159http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/smart_approaches_to_leadership_responsibility_on_the_farm/Why and how to handle the differences among generations and individuals.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 25 Jan 2013 13:04:00 GMT29208http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/immigration_reform_have_we_finally_reached_the_promised_land/It will be vital for dairy interests to pay extremely close attention in the coming weeks to make sure that statements of goodwill translate into farm-benefiting immigration reform.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 11 Feb 2013 13:03:00 GMT29352http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/family_farms_with_working_kids_must_know_the_law_/Child labor is a priority for the Department of Labor, and the penalties can be severe. Don’t let family traditions and your good intentions create unintended consequences.Dairy Today: Labor MattersSun, 24 Feb 2013 11:34:00 GMT29470http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/4_interviewing_guidelines_to_select_the_right_job_applicant/How are your skills in interviewing potential employees?Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 01 Mar 2013 20:26:00 GMT29530http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/the_pressure_builds_for_progress_on_immigration_reform/Both the House and Senate are close to unveiling a comprehensive immigration reform legislative proposal -- but there are two major stumbling blocks to a bipartisan ag agreement.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 25 Mar 2013 10:36:00 GMT29720http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/an_all-too_brief_summary_of_the_senate’s_immigration_bill/Key aspects of the bill that should interest dairy farmers as well as few concerns that are already being discussed.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 19 Apr 2013 16:04:00 GMT29969http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/train_employees_for_better_protocol_compliance_/How to help them avoid doing more harm than good to your dairy herd.Dairy Today: Labor MattersFri, 17 May 2013 17:37:00 GMT30202http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/the_senate_immigration_bill_‘very,_very_good’_for_the_dairy_industry/Dairy-related details of the proposed legislation, from legalizing undocumented workers to the guest-worker visas to E-Verify.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 03 Jun 2013 12:24:00 GMT30331http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/a_political_roadmap_for_immigration_reform/A look at the politics of the Senate bill, which is scheduled for a floor debate beginning this week.Dairy Today: Labor MattersMon, 10 Jun 2013 11:58:00 GMT30380http://www.agweb.com/livestock/dairy/blog/labor_matters/milk_smarter_for_healthier_and_more_comfortable_workers/Nine ways to ensure your milking environment is all it should be to help your milking employees perform at peak levels.Dairy Today: Labor MattersThu, 13 Jun 2013 13:10:00 GMT30411