Managing the Heat is Important for People, too!
Katelyn Walley, Business Management Specialist and Team Leader
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
While we often think about our livestock's health, our corn yields decreasing, and our equipment overheating in times of drought and high heat, it's important to remember that people are susceptible to heat stress, too! Be sure to encourage employees (and yourself) to take frequent breaks out of the sun/heat, provide adequate amounts of cool water, and use common sense while working in these hot conditions. The CDC offers guidance on workplace accommodations along with the signs and symptoms of heat stress. You might be worried about having the additional face mask requirement for yourself and your employees! It's important to remember that the use of face masks dramatically reduces the infection potential from sick and asymptomatic employees and visitors. Employers can require that an employee to wear personal protective equipment during a pandemic. However, if an employee has a disability that might make this hard to do, the business must provide a reasonable accommodation. This could look like limiting to only open-air jobs away from other employees, etc. For more information, read this article from the Cornell Ag Workforce Development program or contact our Farm Business Management Specialist, Katelyn Walley-Stoll.
Upcoming Events
NY Beef Producers Assoc. & Chautauqua County Beef Producers Assoc. Region 2 Annual Meeting
March 24, 2026
Ellicottville, NY
Join us for an engaging and informative round table discussion focused on practical, performance driven cattle nutrition. This panel brings together industry leaders with hands on experience in dairy and beef strategies, ration formulation, ingredient sourcing, and on farm management.
All are welcome.
Membership is these beef producer groups is not required.
NY Beef Producers Association Region 4 Annual Meeting
April 4, 2026
Alfred, NY
Open to all interested beef and dairy producers!
Presentations:
- Tube Feeding 101
- Early Calf Care Tips
- Handling Livestock Safely
Membership in the beef producer association is not required to attend. New memberships and renewals will be accepted at the meeting; drawing will be held for 1 free membership or renewal.
MILKING IT: Moving Milk Quality Forward
April 14, 2026
Springville, NY
***SAVE THE DATE***
More details to come!
April 14th from 11am-1pm
Education sessions by:
- CCE SWNY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops
- Springville Veterinary Services, P.C.
- Quality Milk Production Services
Announcements
No announcements at this time.





