Open Forum to Discuss Newly Approved DOL Trade, "Butcher"
Event Details
Date
October 2, 2025
Time
7pm - 8:30pm
Location
Zoom
Host
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops ProgramAmy Barkley
716-640-0844
email Amy Barkley
Open Forum to Discuss Newly Approved DOL Trade, "Butcher"
We are happy to announce that NYS Dept. of Labor has approved a new registered apprenticeship: "Butcher"!
This is the result of the input received in our regional food system working groups, numerous interviews and surveys, data diving, narrative stories, and the momentum that was sparked by last September's Roundtable in Olean, NY that brought forward this dire workforce shortage impacting all parts of the state's farm, ag, and food sectors.
Well done, all!
Now we move on to the next phases which include broadening the awareness of this newly registered apprenticeship program and connecting processors and apprentices for the first cohort of this new program. We're sure you have loads of questions!
We're welcoming you to bring your questions, comments, enthusiasm, and an evening beverage of choice to the Butcher Apprenticeship Open Forum on Thursday, October 2 at 7 pm on Zoom. Partners from New York State Dept. of Labor, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Southern Tier West, and Workforce Development will be in the space to provide an overview of the new program, discuss the roles of hosts and apprentices, review the benefits of hosting an apprentice, and setting the vision for building a corps of highly skilled, modern trained Butchers and validating this career as a skilled trade with respectful earning potential.
All are welcome to attend!
Please RSVP to either:
Kimberly LaMendola - klamendola@southerntierwest.org
Or
Amy Barkley - amb544@cornell.edu
When you register, we will send you the meeting link, the Butcher trade outline, and the info booklet for the NYS registered apprenticeship program.
Please feel free to share this email and the attached flyer with anyone you think will have an interest in learning more.
Field Crops
Dairy
Business
Livestock
Grains
Upcoming Events
Livestock Production Field Day
August 29, 2026 : Livestock Production Field Day
Chaffee, NY and East Aurora, NY,
Join us on visits to Horizon Ridge Farm in East Aurora and Troll Bridge Farm in Chaffee for an introduction to small beef and small diversified livestock enterprises. Through walking farm tours, attendees will learn about management, meat processing, setting prices, and finding local markets. Dinner will be provided. Register by contacting Amy Barkley at amb544@cornell.edu or 716-640-0844.
Poultry Processing Workshop, Canandaigua, NY
September 17, 2026 : Poultry Processing Workshop - Canandaigua, NY
Canandaigua, NY
This program is one of four statewide roadshow stops across the state, offering farmers a full poultry processing experience. The class will teach skills that build confidence, reduce costs, and strengthen your farm's independence. This hands-on workshop gives farmers the chance to process a bird from start to finish, learning every step of the workflow used by small farms across the state.
Tax 101: An Introduction to Income Taxes for Farmers
September 17, 2026 : Tax 101: An Introduction to Income Taxes for Farmers
Join NY Farm Net for a FREE mid-day webinar about income tax basics for farmers. Attendees will learn what documents you need, options for recordkeeping systems, how identify common tax forms and schedules, and more!
Announcements
No announcements at this time.