KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Lake County Winegrape Commission is pleased to host author, teacher and mediator Gregorio Billikopf for a two-day specialized training seminar titled “Cultivating Personnel Productivity,” to be presented Wednesday, Nov. 20, and Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Lodge at Blue Lakes in Upper Lake.

Designed for Spanish-speaking farm supervisors from across the region, the goal of this highly anticipated workshop is to educate mid-level agricultural managers about their roles and responsibilities in implementing farm worker productivity.

As a farm advisor, Billikopf works one-on-one with farm employers, supervisors and employees to find effective solutions to workplace issues.

During this interactive two-day training, attendees will learn key tools to strengthen their relationships with personnel, increasing employee productivity and satisfaction. Key topics include recruitment, mentoring, mediation, sexual harassment prevention and conflict management.

Through dynamic lecture and role playing, Billikopf will guide and develop students’ confidence in the following areas: employee discipline, dealing with difficult subordinate behaviors, interpersonal negotiation skills, and using praise in everyday communications.

Attendees will participate in numerous role plays to help sharpen the skills required to be an effective
supervisor and will receive individualized attention and personal evaluation. Certificates will be issued to all who complete the class.

Farm supervisors play an important role in shaping work outcomes. According to UC Cooperative Extension cost studies, 50 percent to 70 percent of the annual costs of winegrape production are labor-related.

“Research shows worker output is not a constant. This seminar presents sound theory and practices that will lead to a better understanding of worker performance and output – the areas most critical to the productivity of personnel on your farm,” according to Billikopf.

“Cultivating Personnel Productivity” is a key component of the Lake County Winegrape Commission’s ongoing Sustainable Winegrowing and Master Vigneron programs.

This two-day session is supported by the Lake County Farm Bureau and Mendocino Winegrowers Inc., and is open to all foremen and supervisors working in vineyards, orchards, farms and ranches in Northern California.

Space is limited for this in-depth and sought-after training. Seminar cost is $150. Take advantage of the Early Bird Discount – register by Nov. 10 for only $125. Attendees will receive materials and lunch each day, as well as a copy of Billikopf’s 2006 National Award Winner, Labor Management in Agriculture: Cultivating Personnel Productivity.

To register, go online to: http://lcwcaglabormanagement.eventbrite.com .

For questions, contact the Lake County Winegrape Commission at 707-279-2633. For specific seminar questions, please contact Gregorio Billikopf at 209-525-6800.

For information on Agriculture Labor Management, visit UC Berkeley’s Agriculture Labor Management Web site at http://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/ucce50/ag-labor .