Vol. 17, No. 3 September 2007
CALVES
Reduce Milk Replacer Cost
Careful Disposal of Waste Feeds
Clean Up Your Colostrum Handling
Electrolyte Guideline
What Is Colostrum Worth?
NUTRITION
Improving Feed Efficiency
Water May Be Your Limiting
Nutrient
Use MUN to Manage Feeding Practices
REPRODUCTION
Repro Pointers
Don't Forget Your Dry Cows
A Little Cooling Pays Big
Dividends
MILK QUALITY
PIC - What Is It?
Maintain Legal Drug Use
FACILITIES
Freestall Base Compared
Monitoring Bedding and
Cow Prep Management
How Does a Cow See Her World?
FORAGE
Avoid Common Silage Pitfalls
How Much Feed Does a Silage Bag
Hold?
LABOR
Spanish Thesaurus Online
Facilitating Your Management Team
Complying With Pending
Immigration Laws
How to Deal with
Immigration Customs Enforcement
Whew, what a summer! It has given us the best and the worst of times for weather-related production and losses. Milk prices have approached an all-time high, but so have milk production costs (in the $14- to $16-per-hundredweight range). Most of this is attributed to escalating feed prices. Now the price of milk is being compared to that of gasoline in the news and talk shows. Of course, they have little understanding of dairy markets, such as weaker milk production per cow and an extremely strong U.S. and world dairy product demand, led by reduced Australian and New Zealand exports due to drought.
Here's your third quarterly edition of Dairy Connection with topics of interest from production to labor management.
Good reading,
J.W. Schroeder
Extension Dairy Specialist
Looking to save money on milk replacer? If you are willing to juggle two formulations, here are some options.
1. Consider a two-step feeding program. Feed an all-milk milk replacer during part of the preweaning period. Switch to a milk replacer that contains an alternative protein source, such as soy protein concentrate, during the remainder of the preweaning period. Nonmilk-protein formulations often are less expensive than all-milk ones.
2. During the summer, feed a milk replacer with a lower fat content, say 15 percent instead of 20 percent. The cost of a 15 percent fat formulation is not that much different than a 20 percent fat formulation. However, calves may compensate for the lower energy by eating more calf starter, which is cheaper per pound than milk replacer.
Source: Steve Hayes, technical service manager, Milk Products
Resist the urge to dump water or milk refusals on the ground in front of calves. It can lead to increased fouling of bedding, draw flies in warm weather and help spread disease. The pooling of water and feed under buckets can be a real problem. Instead, collect the refusals and dispose of them properly away from calf housing.
Source: Jerry Bertoldo, veterinarian and Cornell University Extension dairy specialist
A study found room for improvement in colostrum-handling practices. Fifty-five colostrum samples were
taken from Pennsylvania dairies and tested for standard
plate count (SPC) to assess bacteria contamination and
coliform bacteria counts to measure contamination from manure.
A goal of less than 100,000 colony-forming units (cfu)
per milliliter was established for SPC, and a goal of 10,000
cfu per milliliter was set for coliform bacteria counts.
The research reported that the samples averaged a plate count of more than 997,000 cfu per milliliter, with 38 percent of the samples not making the SPC quality goal. Coliform counts averaged 323,000, with 33 percent of the samples missing the target. The Penn State researchers remind us that colostrum should be collected from a clean, dry udder and chilled or fed immediately. A 2- to 4-quart container should be used for storage. Additionally, all equipment used to handle colostrum should be cleaned and sanitized after every use.
Source: Hoard's Dairyman
Researchers at Penn State University have developed handy guidelines for using electrolytes with dairy calves. To download a free copy, go to www.das.psu.edu/pdf/electrolytes05104.pdf or call NDSU at (701) 231-7663 for a copy.
Source: Dairy Herd Management
Everyone knows feeding colostrum to calves is important. But what is its value?
Jerry Olson, technical services veterinarian with Pfizer Animal Health, wanted to find out, so he reviewed all of the research on the topic. He calculated that the collective value of feeding 4 quarts of colostrum in terms of reduced mortality, reduced treatment cost, improved rates of gain and larger-sized calves at breeding, and improved milk production suggests that 1 gallon of colostrum is worth about $423.
Source: Dairy Herd Management
Trying to improve feed efficiency by restricting cows' dry matter intake can be a problem. If milk production declines, feed efficiency can decline as well because maintenance requirements will be a greater portion of nutrient intake.
When attempting to improve your cows' efficiency:
1. Get feed in front of the cows, minimize feed spillage and minimize feed pushed over the curb and into the pen.
2. Minimize bird, rodent and parasite infestations.
3. Minimize illness and disease challenges because they increase the amount of nutrients the immune system needs.
4. Minimize feeding spoiled or poorly digestible feeds.
5. Use proper feed processing to optimize rumen pH and reduce acidosis.
6. Use extended-day lighting.
7. Group heifers separately from cows and feed accordingly.
8. Balance rations for amino acids.
9. Feed monensin.
10. Improve the trace mineral status of your cows.
Source: Mike Socha, research nutritionist, Zinpro
We test, measure and manage our dairy ration feed ingredients for quality, but what about our water? Water quality too often is overlooked and taken for granted, yet the cow consumes it at twice the rate of the feed ration. Water is, most certainly, the cornerstone nutrient for dairy production.
Penn State dairy science professor emeritus Richard Adams spent much of his career studying the relationship between dairy production and water quality. In a 1996 presentation, he noted, "One-third of dairy herds that encounter some kind of production problem have a water quality issue at the root of the problem."
The dairy cow uses water in every biological process, from the fermentation and metabolism within the rumen and the proper flow of feed through the digestive tract to the process of nutrient digestion and absorption, as well as the blood volume and tissue needs of the cow. Furthermore, water makes up 87 percent of the milk the cow secretes. Only 20 percent to 40 percent of this requirement comes from the ration. The other 60 percent to 80 percent comes from the water supply we provide and control.
Water quality also affects milk quality. Bacteria, minerals and pH levels all affect how well the milking equipment is sanitized and the quantity of chemicals needed for proper sanitation.
During the summer, thoughts also turn toward helping cows handle heat stress. More than anything else we do for heat stress, providing good access to ample supplies of clean water is the most important.
Evaluate water needs, supply, access and line pressure to be sure cows can drink as much as they want, even when they are all drinking and the parlor or pipeline wash is running at the same time. Test your water source(s) at least twice a year.
Between these periodic tests, keep water quality in mind as something to recheck if feed intake, animal health or production problems arise. Why? Because water quality will differ by season and location, even on the same farm.
Some things to test for include coliforms, total bacteria, total dissolved solids, sulphur/sulphates, nitrates/nitrites and pH.
Many things affect water quality, and consulting a reputable water testing service and working with a professional to solve identified water problems are important.
Source: The Agri-Vator
Milk urea nitrogen (MUN) is a direct indicator of protein status of animals and can be used to predict overfeeding or underfeeding. Factors that can influence MUN concentrations are rumen degradable and undegradable protein intake, energy intake (especially rumen-available energy needed to capture rumen-available nitrogen), heat damage resulting in reduced protein and energy digestibility, consumption of water because dehydration increases MUN, and feed sorting. Best management practices to prevent overfeeding of protein are:
• Balance the ration for total protein, rumen degradable and undegradable protein, and rumen-available energy as measured by nonfiber carbohydrates or starch, as well as total energy.
• Monitor dry matter intake weekly on all groups and calculate nitrogen intake relative to requirements.
• Analyze feeds monthly for total protein, plus heat-damaged protein (more than 10 percent of protein - acid detergent insoluble nitrogen or acid detergent fiber crude protein - in the fibrous fraction) if excessive heating is suspected.
• Group cows by production; feed accordingly.
• Prevent feed sorting by feeding a ration properly mixed with uniformity of feed delivered; particle size separation at different feed bunk locations can be monitored by use of a particle size separator.
• If bulk tank MUN is about 14 milligrams per deciliter, consider modifying the ration; rations below 12 are considered best from an environmental standpoint.
• If bulk tank MUN is below 10 milligrams per deciliter, protein consumption may be low or feeds may be heat-damaged.
Lab methods have been standardized, resulting in uniform reporting. In other words, results from one lab should be comparable to another.
Source: Charlie Stallings, Extension dairy scientist, nutrition and forage quality, Virginia Tech
A recent national study looked at what eight successful dairies do well to achieve higher-than-average pregnancy rates. These dairies featured pregnancy rates that ranged from 17 percent to 25 percent. The national average is about 14 percent.
While each herd was managed differently, they had several factors in common. For instance, they adopted technology to overcome estrus-detection challenges. In addition:
• Artificial insemination (AI) technicians were trusted employees or family members.
• Personnel were hailed as a key to each dairy's reproductive success.
• The farms scheduled routine AI refresher courses.
• The farms developed a compliance-assurance program.
• They stressed cow comfort.
• They used both close-up and fresh-cow groups.
• They customized vaccination programs, and half had a program to identify animals persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea.
Source: Ellen Jordan, Texas A&M University Extension dairy specialist
Most farms experience an increase in problems when cows freshen every summer. The following are the most common reasons and simple remedies:
1. Increased number of dry cows: Due to the difficulty in getting cows pregnant during the summer, a disproportionate number will become pregnant from October through December. This fact leads to a large number of cows in the dry lot from May through July. Ensuring that your facilities (especially feed bunk space) are set up to handle the number of dry cows you will have during the summer is important.
2. Heat stress: Dry cows suffer from heat stress, too.
Heat stress can reduce dry matter intake
significantly. Many dairy farms have made little or no provisions
for heat abatement in their dry cows. Recent research
has shown a direct correlation between negative
energy balance pre-calving and the likelihood of cows
developing retained placenta and metritis
post-calving. In addition to decreased dry matter intake, these
heat-stressed cows also expend a significant amount
of energy to cool themselves. Remember to monitor
the nutrition of your dry cows.
3. Summer workload: Summer is a very busy time of year for dairy farmers and forgetting about the dry cows is easy. By spending more time managing dry cows now, you will be making a small investment in time that can pay huge dividends in the future by cutting down on the number of sick fresh cows and enabling cows to produce more milk for their lactation.
Source: John Currin, Extension dairy veterinarian, Virginia Tech
Even though we are moving away from the hottest time of the year, re-evaluating the effectiveness of your cooling system still is important. Research from the University of Florida has shown 15 percent to 22 percent reductions in milk yield, as well as poor reproductive efficiency, from summer heat stress. Preventing or at least limiting the negative effects of summer heat on milk production, reproductive efficiency and udder health requires sufficient cow cooling mechanisms.
Most cooling systems include fans or a combination of fans and sprinklers. Installing these systems is a good first step, but proper maintenance and setting selection are necessary to achieve adequate heat abatement. Maximal fan performance requires routine cleaning of all fan parts and accessories. Wind speed generated by a fan always should be at least 5 miles per hour directly under the next fan. Speeds less than this indicate inefficiencies in fan operation, possibly due to dirt buildup. Accumulation of as little as c inch of dirt on fan blades has been shown to reduce fan efficiency by 40 percent. Fans should be cleaned at least every six months, and with greater frequency during the summer months when use is greatest. A vacuum cleaner or stiff-bristled nylon brush can be used for cleaning; a power washer can be used only if the fan motor is totally enclosed. Fan motors also should be lubricated annually to prolong fan life and maximize efficiency.
Electricity always should be shut off and the fan disconnected from the power source prior to any maintenance or repairs.
Thermostat and cycle settings also are critical to the effectiveness of any cooling system. Sprinkler and fan systems should be set to operate when temperatures reach 70 F to 75 F. Sprinkler cycles should run from 0.5 to three minutes using 0.03 gallon of water per square foot each cycle. Cycle length should be selected to soak the cow's back, but not allow water to reach the udder.
To minimize heat's indirect impact on milk quality, focus on enhanced cow comfort. Remember, high temperatures and humidity will put stress on dairy cows long before humans feel them. If you're feeling uncomfortable from the environmental conditions, the cows have been feeling the stress for some time.
Source: Beverly Cox, Franklin County Extension agent, Virginia Tech
By now you may have seen that the preliminary incubation count (PIC) for raw milk is not just a laboratory recreational activity, but it is a number that affects your milk price. The fluid milk processing industry recently has taken a big interest in this number because it believes two things:
1. The PIC is a good predictor of shelf life, and extending shelf life reduces the milk dumped from store shelves.
2. The PIC can be reduced with better management practices at the farm.
In some cases, milk handlers - even those sending the majority of their milk to cheese plants - have incorporated the PIC into their premium programs.
What is PIC?
The bacteria count is determined by incubating your milk sample at 55 F for 18 hours, then plating it and performing a standard plate count (SPC). The number of bacteria present then is estimated. The PIC (18 hours) is compared with the regular SPC when the sample is fresh. The idea is that bacteria that grow in the udder do not grow well at 55 F, but certain bacteria that originate outside the udder can. If the PIC is high compared with the SPC, that suggests some undesirable practice on the farm allowed these bacteria to enter the milking equipment and grow somewhere between the milking unit and the bulk tank.
According to Cornell University food science researcher Kathryn Boor, the goal for the PIC is less than three to four times the SPC, or less than 50,000. While Boor notes the PIC is useful for troubleshooting equipment cleaning practices, she says no scientific evidence shows an association of the PIC with product shelf life.
Why PIC May Be High
The following are reasons for high PIC:
• Slow-cooling farm bulk tank or temperature about 40 F (bulk tanks should be less than 40 F within two hours of milking and kept below 45 F during subsequent milkings); this points out the importance of the recording thermometer and its use
• Failure to clean equipment thoroughly after each use or neglecting to sanitize equipment before using (a major cause)
• Problems with debris buildup in plate coolers and chillers
• When milking fresh cows and problem cows in bucket milkers, hoses need to be kept clean
• Dirty animals; may need clipping
• Poor udder sanitation practices (dirty, excessive water used to wash teats and udders); teats need to be clean, sanitized and dry
• Contaminated water supply, especially with coliforms or other spoilage-causing bacteria
• Wash water temperature should start at 155 F to 170 F and drain at above 120 F
• Gaskets and rubber parts need to be clean, free of cracks and deposits, and replaced when necessary
• Improperly drained milking equipment
• Teat cup liners should be clean and free of cracks and changed on schedule
• Pulsator and main vacuum supply lines need cleaning on a regular basis and especially whenever milk enters the line
• Streptococcus agalactiae or environmental streptococcus mastitis infection
Frans Vokey, Extension ag team coordinator, Cornell University
If outside forces had their way, antibiotic usage on the farm would stop today. So, if we want to continue to have medications available to treat sick animals and to relieve pain and suffering, due diligence is required by all of us.
The Food and Drug Administration has classified all animal medications into three categories.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) -Approved for sale to anyone by a licensed dealer. Must be used only as the label indicates.
• Prescription - The label contains the wording, "Federal law limits this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian." A veterinarian must have a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR) to prescribe.
• Extra-label-use drug - These drugs can be used other than as labeled on the order of a veterinarian under a VCPR, as long as strict criteria are met.
A drug's label often is limited due to the expense of the drug-approval process. Companies seek label approval for major species and common diseases or conditions and then go to market. This leaves minor species, such as sheep and goats, or subspecies, such as lactating cattle, off of the manufacturer's label. So, for dairy, a major disease, such as pneumonia, is listed on the label, while a minor one, such as metritis, is not. This leaves producers without a labeled treatment option for metritis.
Legally, what does this mean? Simply put, only your veterinarian can order an OTC or prescription drug's use in an extra-label manner, such as to treat metritis. And to do that, your veterinarian must follow these FDA criteria.
• Only FDA-approved drugs are used
• There is a valid VCPR
• The drug is used for a therapeutic purpose (animal health is suffering or threatened)
• No labeled drug for the condition exists
• An approved drug is ineffective or must be given in a dose or manner not on the label to be effective
• There is scientific evidence to support its use
• There is an established withdrawal time for its use in an extra-label manner
An extra-label-use drug cannot be used as a feed additive or for production reasons. It cannot appear on the list of drugs prohibited for extra-label use.
Fluoroquinolones: One drug that needs special explanation is the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. This group includes the FDA-approved drug Baytril for dogs, cats and beef cattle. Baytril is approved for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease in beef cattle only; it cannot be used in cattle intended for dairy production (heifer calves) or in calves to be processed for veal.
The FDA is on the lookout for any illegal use of this drug class since some in the scientific community believe that the low-residue levels found in food products may be a contributing factor to antibiotic resistance in humans. The human product, Ciprofloxin, is used to treat severe bacterial infections, such as salmonella and E. coli. If any abuse of fluoroquinolone is found in livestock, we will lose its use in all livestock.
The use of any drug in an extra-label manner outside the order and prescription of your veterinarian is illegal. Violation of these laws is a felony. The punishment can be a $250,000 fine and six months in prison for each violation.
Each one of us should ensure that medications are used in a legal and responsible manner.
Source: Jim Brett, veterinarian, Montezuma, Ga.,
in Dairy Herd Management
Associates at Colorado State University conducted an extensive field study of 113 dairies in five Midwestern states. They compared rubber-filled mattresses, sand, waterbeds and compost-bedded pack surfaces with respect to hock joint lesions, cleanliness and somatic cell count. Production, stocking density stall dimensions, bedding amount and frequency were recorded. All bed types were associated with low injury rates if beds were long enough and filled frequently with nonabrasive bedding. Cows on mattresses and waterbeds were cleaner than cows on sand. Mattress cows had the most lesions. As the number of cows showing hock joint lesions and their severity increased, the death loss, lameness, culling rate and somatic cell counts increased. The researchers found no differences in milk production. Compost-bedded pack cows showed no lesions.
Source: Journal of Dairy Science, July 2007
The best monitors are those that are task-sensitive and provide immediate feedback to those performing a process. The most objective and direct means of monitoring the effectiveness of bedding and pre-milking cow prep management is bulk-tank culturing.
Whatever bacteria that are not removed during pre-milking cow prep will end up in the bulk tank milk. Therefore, a bulk-tank culture evaluated for environmental pathogens gives a good assessment of bedding management and pre-milking cow prep for the herd (or at least for those groups of cows milked into that bulk tank).
Aseptically collecting a milk sample via an inline sampler for bacterial culture has been shown to be an accurate means of directly estimating the cleaning effectiveness of pre-milking cow prep of specific milking crews. This procedure is adapted readily for on-farm culture use, giving milking crews and herd managers feedback within 12 hours regarding how effective pre-milking cow prep has been.
Source: Reneau and Bey, 2007 NMC Proceedings, Pg. 10-17
A cow sees a lot more because her eyes are on the side of her head so she can see everything except what's directly behind her. But with poor depth perception, she doesn't see her world as well as we do. In addition, she lacks the vertical vision we have and really can't see where to put her feet unless she puts her head down.
Source: Michigan Dairy Review, April 2007
Regardless of the size of an operation, dairy producers know problems occur in every silage program. The eight most common pitfalls producers and nutritionists should watch for, and a common cause, are listed below.
1. Safety around the bunker and drive-over piles - unsafe actions
2. High forage-in versus silage-out losses in bunker silos, drive-over piles and bags - management techniques
3. Large variation in dry-matter content or nutritional quality of the ensiled forage - different hybrids or extended cut time
4. Missing the optimum harvest window for whole plant corn - equipment capacity, weather challenges, harvest strategy
5. Clostrial, butyric acid containing hay crop silage - harvested too wet or contaminated with soil or manure
6. High levels of acetic acid, particularly in wet corn silage - ensiled too dry or too wet
7. Aerobically unstable corn silage during feed out - stage of kernel to mature, inadequate packing density
8. Excessive surface spoilage in sealed bunkers and drive-over piles - Needs more uniform packing, water not draining off, damaged sheet or film during storage
Watching for these challenges can help reduce your silage losses this season.
With the increased use of silage bags comes an increase in questions regarding bag forage capacity. One way to estimate capacity is to calculate bag volume and multiply by its density. Use the following formula to determine the volume of a round bag:
volume (ft3) = 3.14 x (diameter2/4) x length of silage (ft)
When full-length bags are used, the actual length of silage is the bag length minus the unused portion needed to seal each end of the bag.
The quantity of dry matter (DM) in the bag is the volume multiplied by the density. The DM density can vary from bag to bag, depending on machine type and adjustment, as well as forage type. Typical densities range between 11 and 15 pounds of dry matter per cubic foot. Table 1 shows typical silage bag capacity based on the following assumptions:
• round bags
• silage length = bag length - (2 x diameter)
• density = 13 pounds dry matter per cubic foot
Use the multiplier in Table 2 to adjust the values in Table 1 for a different density. For example, the quantity of silage - in a 200-foot by 9-foot bag packed to 15 pounds dry matter per cubic foot is 150,500 pounds. Dry matter x 1.15 = 173,000 pounds dry matter.
Table 1 lists dry matter in one bag. To determine capacity
in pounds of silage, as fed, divide the table value by the
dry matter content. For example, 65 percent moisture
silage in a 200-foot-long bag of 9 feet diameter
weighs 430,000 pounds (150,500 pounds dry matter/0.35)
when packed at 13 pounds dry matter per cubic
foot. Divide this value by 2,000 pounds to obtain total tons.
Source: Midwest DairyBusiness
Table 1. Capacities of silage bags at 13 lbs
DM/ft3 density.
Bag diameter
Bag ———— 8 feet ———— ———— 9 feet ———— ———— 10 feet ———— ———— 12 feet ————
| Length | Silage Length | Capacity | Silage Length | Capacity | Silage Length | Capacity | Silage Length | Capacity |
| (ft) | (ft) | (lbs DM) | (ft) | (lbs DM) | (ft) | (lbs DM) | (ft) | (lbs DM) |
| 100 | 84 | 54,900 | 82 | 67,800 | 80 | 81,700 | 76 | 111,700 |
| 150 | 134 | 88,600 | 132 | 109,200 | 130 | 132,700 | 126 | 185,300 |
| 200 | 184 | 120,200 | 182 | 150,500 | 180 | 183,800 | 176 | 258,800 |
| 250 | 234 | 152,900 | 232 | 191,900 | 230 | 234,800 | 226 | 332,300 |
| 300 | 284 | 185,600 | 282 | 233,200 | 280 | 285,900 | 276 | 405,800 |
Table 2. Multiplier to adjust capacities to a different density.
| Density | Multiplier |
| (lbs DM/ft3) | |
| 11 | 0.85 |
| 12 | 0.92 |
| 13 | 1.00 |
| 14 | 1.08 |
| 15 | 1.15 |
The USDA National Agricultural Library has published Spanish language versions of its Agricultural Thesaurus (NALT) and Glossary of Agricultural Terms. This first Spanish language edition of NALT comprises more than 15,700 translated concepts. The Glossary of Agricultural Terms includes definitions for more than 2,400 of the concepts in both English and Spanish. To download the tools, go to www.nal.usda.gov/services/.
Source: Dairy Herd Management
Facilitating a team to consensus requires time and patience. Consensus can be tricky, but it always is worth the effort. When it is not, a consensus has not been reached. Effective teams learn that group decisions are almost always an improvement over the individual points of view team members held before becoming active in the group.
Here are some guidelines:
1. Avoid arguing for your view. State your case clearly and concisely, and then listen and carefully consider comments and other options discussed.
2. Don't surrender to the win/lose option when the group is stuck. Make a real effort to find the next most acceptable alternative for all concerned.
3. Don't be wishy-washy and change your mind just to avoid conflict. Yield only to positions that are genuinely better than yours. If agreement comes too easily, be suspicious. Make sure everyone's reason for accepting the solution is similar.
4. Don't avoid conflict by using binding votes, flipping a coin or cutting deals: "I'll give in on this point if you'll give in on that." Consensus isn't compromise.
Source: Ken Bolton, Milk Money Newsletter, April 16, 2007
New immigration laws are being implemented around the country. What was once a distant subject for the upper Great Plains, the topic has "hit home" in recent months. For dairy producers/owners, the topic has become elevated to one of significant concern. In the face of these changing issues, employers would be well-advised to begin preparations now for complying with the issues common to many of these pending state laws. These preparations should include not only an internal audit of the company's I-9's, but also ensuring that you have the infrastructure in place to ensure that you can take full advantage of all the defenses demonstrating that you are not intentionally or knowingly hiring undocumented workers. Training your supervisors and key support staff will be critical in making sure that your employees are not inadvertently creating liability for your company, since even simple mistakes can lead to severe penalties.
Discussions related to this topic have been under way informally, with no real progress to date. If you have ideas on how we can assist dairy and agricultural employers in general, I welcome your suggestions. Until then, let me share with you what some attorneys in Arizona suggest in light of their new Legal Arizona Workers Act - viewed as the toughest law in the nation.
1. Ask to see the agents' ID, badge number and any warrant (write down this information.)
2. Say only the following: "All immigration matters are handled by our dairy manager. Please call him/her at ___________________."
3. Immediately contact your dairy manager and let him/her know that agents are on site.
4. Do not give agents access to your worksite unless they have a warrant.
5. Neither you nor your employees have to speak with the agents.
6. The agents do not have a right to disrupt your normal operations without a warrant.
7. Remain with the agents at all times until they leave the premises or until another dairy representative relieves you.
8. After the agents leave, make sure all of your employees are still present and have not left.
9. Do not make any statements to the media.
10. Remain professional at all times.
(Source: Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.)
© 2007 Snell & Wilmer LLP. All rights reserved.
The purpose of this legal alert is to provide readers with information on current topics of general interest and nothing herein shall be construed to create, offer or memorialize the existence of an attorney-client relationship. This legal alert should not be considered legal advice or opinion because its content may not apply to the specific facts of a particular matter. Please contact a Snell & Wilmer attorney with any questions about the content of this legal alert.