FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 22, 2024
Contact: Laura Hensley
Director of communications
(517) 652-4524 | lhensley@voiceofmilk.com
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Agricultural businesses are adapting to new laws adopted recently in Minnesota. Minnesota Milk Producers Association held a webinar on Feb. 15 to share the steps dairy farmers should take to ensure they stay in compliance. The presentation offered insight and practical advice for Minnesota’s dairy community as they look to adapt to the new employment laws at both a state and federal level.
Minnesota Milk Executive Director Lucas Sjostrom was joined by Caitlin Gehlen and Daryn McBeth of the Lathrop GPM, Minnesota Milk’s contract lobbying firm that also supplies other legal services like employment law.
Gehlen is part of the firm’s labor and employment group, advising employers on a wide range of policies, including providing assistance in drafting employee handbooks.
Discussion covered law changes that went into effect on Jan. 1 and anticipated policies for 2026, including Minnesota’s new earned sick and safe leave law, anticipated statewide paid family and medical leave, new protections for pregnant and nursing mothers, changes to unpaid parental leave, the Corporate Transparency Act and other policies.
“The frequent changes in these laws can make them quite complex and difficult to keep up with,” Sjostrom said. “Resources, such as this webinar, help ensure that our farmers have the tools they need to adapt and prepare for new legislation.”
A recording of the webinar can be viewed on the Minnesota Milk Producers Association website or their YouTube channel for those who were unable to attend.
Another opportunity to learn and engage with legislators is coming up on March 7, when Minnesota Milk hosts their annual meeting, Dairy Dinner and advocacy day at the Minnesota State Capitol. Farmers are encouraged to share their stories, meet with legislators and advocate for issues impacting the state’s farms. For more information about this upcoming event, visit mnmilk.org.
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Video:
Navigating New Labor Laws: A Webinar for Minnesota Dairy video
About Minnesota Milk:
Minnesota Milk Producers Association is the Minnesota dairy industry’s leading grassroots organization. Its strength comes from members working together and focusing on three key areas: policy, education and membership. By focusing on these areas, the organization will advance the success of Minnesota’s dairy producers. More information: www.mnmilk.org.