Finding, hiring and retaining quality employees are major challenges for agricultural business in Nebraska. Competition for the available workforce comes from area industries, and the labor market is tight.

Nebraska Extension will host a virtual seminar series in December (Dec. 8, 11, 15 and 18) designed to help agricultural employers learn techniques and leadership practices to help motivate and empower employees.

Dr. Bob Milligan, Senior Consultant with Dairy Strategies LLC and Professor Emeritus from Cornell University, will lead the seminar. Topics will include:

• Identifying the future direction of the operation and its workforce needs;
• Developing position descriptions, performance expectations, and accountability;
• Learning effective recruitment, interviewing, and hiring procedures; and
• Identifying employee training and development needs.

The seminar will be delivered via Zoom from 12:30-2 p.m. CST (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. MST). Participants will need internet access and are encouraged to use a computer with a camera and a microphone to participate. Participants in the seminar should plan to attend each of the four sessions.

Cost is $50 per person. Participation is limited to 50 people. Please register by Dec. 1.

For questions about the seminar or for more information, please contact Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator at 308-235-3122 or aberger2@unl.edu.

The Leading Farm and Ranch Employees Seminar Series material is Inspired by Annie’s Project and based upon work supported by USDA-NIFA under Award Number 2020-70017-32735.