1-5-2021 Food Industry COVID-19 Update
Vaccination Plan: Yesterday the Governor announced that we are still in Phase 1a. The entire update the Governor provided can be found here:https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-updates-new-yorkers-vaccination-efforts-across-new-york. As a reminder "food and agriculture essential workers" are designated as employees in Phase 1b. We will provide an update as soon as the Governor announces the beginning of Phase 1b.
"Am I Eligible app": New York State has launched a new 'Am I Eligible " app to help New Yorkers determine their eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine, connect them with administration centers, and schedule appointments. To access the app, as well as find the latest information concerning the vaccine and its administration, visit: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ Note: As we are still in Phase 1a, this eligibility app is not applicable to essential workers in the other phases at this time.
Updated Quarantine Guidelines: New York State Department of Health has updated their quarantine guidelines for New York which are consistent with the latest Centers for Disease Control guidance. Under the new guidelines, individuals exposed to COVID-19 can end their quarantine after 10 days without a testing requirement as long as no symptoms have been reported during the quarantine period. After day 10 is reached, individuals must continue monitoring for symptoms through day 14 and if any develop, they should immediately self-isolate and contact their local health department or healthcare provider to report this change and determine if they should seek testing.
COVID-19 is still a threat to our state so please continue to follow the necessary steps listed in the "STOP THE SPREAD" poster.
Upcoming Events
Driving Efficiency in Dairy & Exploring the Irish Experience
September 29, 2025
Rock Stream, NY
This workshop series will feature in-depth presentation and discussion led by Dr. Padraig French who is the Head of Livestock Systems and the Dairy Enterprise Leader at Teagasc (the Irish version of USDA). Dr. French will focus on the critical success factors for Irish dairy, which include pasture utilization, labor efficiency and managing for seasonal calving. The discussion will focus on ways that U.S. dairy farmers can use some of the Irish dairy techniques to become more profitable with grass farming.
Open Forum to Discuss Newly Approved DOL Trade, "Butcher"
October 2, 2025 : Open Forum to Discuss Newly Approved DOL Trade, "Butcher"
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.
Silvopasture on a Shoestring
October 7, 2025
Franklinville, NY
Join Joshua Greene, Director of Education at Trees For Graziers, Jonathan Bates, Statewide Agroforestry Educator, and Lynn Bliven, owner of Wild Geese Farm for a full day training event that will include classroom and hands-on sessions. The focus will be on DIY silvopasture projects on small grazing farms. We will address the practical considerations of tree establishment, protection, and maintenance while learning how silvopasture can help address your farm's resource concerns and enhance livestock grazing.
Announcements
No announcements at this time.