Hiring

This comprehensive guide, developed by experts from the University of Maryland Extension and University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, provides agricultural employers in Delaware and Maryland with essential insights into crafting a legally sound and effective employee manual. Covering key topics such as employment policies, workplace culture, legal compliance, and best practices, this resource helps farm owners and managers foster clear communication, improve employee relations, and ensure regulatory adherence. With practical templates, legal considerations, and expert-reviewed content, this publication is a must-have for agricultural operations seeking to enhance workforce management and operational efficiency. Authors: Paul Goeringer, Sima Majnooni, and Holly Russo; Title: Guidelines for Delaware and Maryland Ag Operations on Writing an Employee Manual (EB-2024-0725).

People with leadership roles in agricultural operations have the opportunity to benefit from good conflict management processes. When people are passionate about what they are doing, differing opinions on how to do something will arise, making conflict an inevitable part of any worthwhile endeavor (Bennett, 2023). While you probably can't eliminate all disagreements, developing your conflict management skills can increase efficiency and improve employee retention. This fact sheet will provide you with actionable skills to take back to your team. Authors: Taylor Kinniburgh and Neith Little; Leadership and Conflict on the Farm (FS-2023-0671)

Managing legal risks can mean following a well-thought-out process to hire new employees, correctly training new employees, allowing them additional training to stay current on the most recent chemical application and animal welfare practices, and developing other proactive strategies to limit legal challenges impacting a farm operation. This publication assists readers in better understanding what can go into this process. Title: Developing Proactive Legal Strategies for Handling Protesters and Hiring Employees to Limit Legal Issues on Your Farm (FS-1163). Author: Paul Goeringer, Ellen Pearson