A labor of love.

It was fun putting together the June issue with its emphasis on the 50th Anniversary of The Pennsylvania State University Mushroom Short Course. Industry veterans, students, faculty and AMI officials reminisced about the early programs and the many contributions Penn State has made to the mushroom farm community. We're sure you will recognize some of the stories and familiar faces in the quotes and clips about the Short Course when you read The Long and the Short of It.

Jessica Boyer outlines a health and well-being initiative of La Comunidad Hispana, a non-profit organization that operates at several Chester County, PA mushroom farms in her article Work Healthy Program. The holistic program combines clinical services, health education and health promotion on-site at Kaolin, Phillips and To-Jo Mushroom farms. The satellite health centers provide bilingual primary health care services. The commitment of the farm management has contributed to the success of the program.

Seven Tips for Avoiding Retaliation Claims by A. Kevin Troutman outlines steps companies can take to deal with the disruptive behavior or poor performance of employees. It also discusses statutes that describe protected conduct. Action steps are outlined that could help the company leadership recognize potentially protected activity and prepare them to deal with problems when they come up. Troutman says many times supervisors put off dealing with difficult employees, which can create more problems in the long run.

Also this month, A Review of Field Sanitation Standards under OSHA and USCIS Revises Employment Verification Form I-9 are published to remind growers of their responsibilities to current and potential employees. The AMI Update by Laura Phelps describes an emergency solution pending in Congress that would address agriculture's critical need for farm labor.

Mushroom News Editor