Virtual Coffee Break MSUE Dairy Team

A new employee’s first day on the farm! Are you making it count? Join Annie Link of Swisslane Farms and MSU Extension’s Martín J. Mangual to explore what thoughtful onboarding looks like on a dairy farm, why it matters, and what to consider when building your own process. From setting clear expectations to helping new employees feel part of the team, discover ways to get your workers—and your farm—off on the right foot.

Episode Resources:

Labor Recruitment Episode: https://bit.ly/3TBNr2X

MSU Dairy Extension Resources:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/dairy/

Join us in the episode to meet the new Dairy Extension Educator. We discuss her background and experience and how she is shaping an Extension dairy program for East Michigan

Episode Resources:

Educator Page: https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/tracy_burnett

Contact email: [email protected]

MSU Extension Dairy:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/dairy/

Advance Extension Educators Jon LaPorte and Martín J. Mangual continue their discussion about fertilizers. Their conversation focuses on ideas to manage your fertilizer needs when market price and product availability become a challenge.

Looking ahead to the fields: What's happening with fertilizers?

Advance Extension Educators Jon Laporte and Martin J. Mangual discuss the current status of fertilizer markets and how dairy farms are impacted by prices and availability. Ideas are shared that can help navigate fertilizer usage this season.

Episode resources:

Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/soilfertility/Files/Main-page/FINAL%20PRINT.pdf

Soil fertility & nutrient management resources:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/soilfertility/Resources/bulletins-articles-and-papers

MSU Extension Educator Corey Clark talks to Dr. Adam Kantrovich, Extension Specialist from Clemson University. They provide insights regarding employer compliance and readiness for farms hiring migrant workers.

Immigration Essentials for farm employers webinar series registration:

https://events.anr.msu.edu/ImmigrationEssentials/

Webinar Information:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/msu-offers-free-webinar-series-on-immigration-essentials-for-farm-employers

Educator Martin Mangual meets with Agricultural Economist Dr. Zach Rutlegde to discuss the current issues impacting farm labor.

Episode resources:

https://www.zachrutledge.comReferenced article:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/an-overview-of-farm-labor-in-michigan

Referenced interview:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3KYdB7DMBgDFbjcsVHRzO7?si=JtJhI9hvS0SaGsKyZsYiJA

Dr. Jerad Jaborek from MSU Extension joins dairy and beef Extension Educator Phil Durst to share insights from a recent research project that evaluates the performance of Holstein beef cross calves at the feedlot and after harvest.

MSU Extension educator Paola Bacigalupo-Sanguesa joins South Dakota State University Extension Specialist Dr. Maristela Rovai to discuss interesting information regarding Dairy goats and sheep and how this industry compares to dairy cows.

Episode Resources:

MSU Extension Small ruminant resources- https://www.canr.msu.edu/sheep_goats/

Dr. Zelmar Rodriguez talks with Mike Raterink a 3rd generation dairy farmer who recently transitioned their small dairy farm to automatic milking systems. How was the process? What's different? Is it working for their farm? Listen to the episode and find out.

For additional information or questions reach us at: [email protected]

Website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/dairy/

Farmer and HR leader Annie Link joins the podcast to discuss what strategies the farm is implementing to optimize the recruitment of new employees.