The Agricultural Workforce Development Council of New York State (AWDC) will celebrate a decade of connecting and educating agricultural professionals when Labor Roadshow X returns this December with five in-person events and two webinars across New York State.

For nearly ten years, the Labor Roadshow has brought agricultural professionals together to learn, connect, and navigate the evolving challenges of agricultural labor. The 2026 event will continue that tradition with timely, expert-led discussions focused on the issues affecting farms and agricultural employers today—including labor law and compliance, employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture.

"A decade of education. A stronger ag workforce." is the theme behind this year's event, which is designed to provide agricultural employers and professionals with information they can put into practice.

"Labor Roadshow has become an important annual opportunity for New York agriculture to come together around workforce challenges and solutions," said Richard Stup, Director of Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development. "Reaching this tenth-year milestone is a chance to recognize how far the industry has come while continuing to invest in the people and practices that will strengthen New York agriculture for years to come."

Labor Roadshow X will offer both in-person and virtual programming, making it possible for agricultural professionals across the state to participate. The 2026 schedule includes:

In-Person Events

• December 7 — Walden, NY
• December 9 — Malone, NY
• December 15 — Batavia, NY
• December 16 — Geneva, NY
• December 17 — Rome, NY
• November 30 — Webinar
• December 21 — Webinar

Virtual Events

The event is hosted by the Agricultural Workforce Development Council of New York State, a collaboration of farms and agricultural organizations dedicated to advancing opportunities for employees and employers. AWDC works to strengthen agriculture by fostering collaboration and equipping employers with resources to build a skilled and sustainable agricultural workforce.

As Labor Roadshow reaches its tenth year, organizers are looking ahead to the future of New York agriculture while recognizing the impact of a decade of education, collaboration, and workforce development.

Additional program details, speakers, and registration information will be announced as the event approaches. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact cu-agworkforce@cornell.edu for sponsorship information.

About the Labor Roadshow The Labor Roadshow is an annual agricultural workforce education event hosted by the Agricultural Workforce Development Council of New York State. Through in-person and virtual programming, the Roadshow brings agricultural professionals together with experts to address critical labor and workforce issues and share practical strategies for building stronger agricultural workplaces.

About the Agricultural Workforce Development Council of New York State The Agricultural Workforce Development Council of New York State is a collaboration of farms and agricultural organizations dedicated to advancing opportunities for employees and employers. AWDC works to strengthen New York agriculture by fostering collaboration and equipping employers with resources to build a skilled, sustainable agricultural workforce.