It seems like most of NY state is shutting down this coming Monday, April 8th for the rare total solar eclipse. Schools, offices and even Wegmans! One thing that definitely won’t be shutting down though are the dairy farms across the state. Cow’s won’t lower their feed intake or skip a milking in observance, meaning that many employees will still be hard at work that day.
Consider holding a brief employee meeting this week to make sure that all employees are aware that the eclipse will be happening, what it means and what precautions they should take to stay safe. Don’t have time for a meeting? Send out a text message to your employee group with a few reminders and resources.
Here are a few short videos in Spanish to consider sharing with employees:
- Univision describes the eclipse in North America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyjc4NyhrEU
- Univision, New York offers a short news clip on the eclipse in NY, including the time it will occur, when the next eclipse in North America will happen, and a QR code to get free glasses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXqvB701d2A
- Univision again shares a video featuring interviews and information from NASA with slightly more in-depth information. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL79cOCpDoQ
Some farms have bought solar-eclipse glasses for all of their employees and even decided to shut down the parlor for a short time to allow everyone the opportunity to view this amazing phenomenon! This is a great idea for team building as well as safety. If your team will continue working in the parlor and the barn during the total eclipse, make a plan to provide lighting for those moving animals. From all of us at Ag Workforce Development, enjoy the day and stay safe!
