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
Boots in the Barn: Cornell Dairy Research Updates
January 13, 2026
January 20, 2026
January 27, 2026
February 3, 2026
February 10, 2026
February 17, 2026
February 24, 2026
Join us for some or all!
Southern Tier Crop Congress
January 28, 2026 : Southern Tier Crop Congress
Belfast, NY
Join SWNYDLFC and CCE Allegany County for the upcoming Southern Tier Crop Congress. CCA and DEC credits are available!
Northeast Grazing and Livestock Conference
January 30 - January 31, 2026 : Northeast Grazing and Livestock Conference
Manchester, NH
100% VIRTUAL OPTIONS AVAILABLE! This is the largest conference of its kind in New England and New York, bringing together over 300 farmers, graziers, educators, and service providers from across the Northeast. Over two days, we'll take a deep dive into topics specific to raising pasture-based livestock in our region
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