The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team will host a five-session webinar called “Eye on Employees,” from noon to 1 p.m. starting Feb. 5. The webinars will address the main concerns that farm and dairy employers face.

“Extension dairy specialists often get two types of questions concerning labor,” says Fred Hall, dairy specialist with ISU Extension, located in northwest Iowa. “No. 1, what is wrong with my hiring process? I can’t get people hired; and No. 2, how do I close the ‘revolving door’ of employees coming and going?”

Hall says this five-part webinar series will take an in-depth look at the questions and focus on how to hire and maintain farm employees.

Each presenter will address a specific topic from noon to 1 p.m. on the following dates:

Feb. 5. Brett Stanley, special investigator with the Department of Homeland Security, will discuss what information is needed for I-9 Forms and what documentation options there are for immigrant employees to confirm they are legal to work in this country.

Feb. 12. Melissa O’Rourke, ISU Extension farm management specialist, will discuss how to begin the interview conversation and give tips to learn the most about the applicant while not breaking the law.

Feb. 19. Larry Tranel, dairy specialist with ISU Extension, will discuss how labor and robotic milkers are not an either-or option for producers. He also will explore the most recent research on the economics of automated milking systems.

Feb. 26. Hall will outline the importance of an employee handbook. He will give producers ideas on how to create a handbook for their dairy, as well as how to make it a part of their hiring process.

March 4. O’Rourke will return for this final webinar and outline how employees are often misclassified and the consequences of doing so. She will also discuss other employment pitfalls.

At the end of each webinar, there will be time allowed for viewers’ questions.

There is no registration fee. However, registration is required to receive the link for the program. Register online at form.jotform.com/4Hregion1/eye-on-employees. For more information or to register via phone, contact Hall at 712-737-4230.

Source: ISU, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all of its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.