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

July 9, 2020

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. 




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Upcoming Events

Dairy Feeder School

October 29, 2026 : Dairy Feeder School
Freedom, NY

- One day on-farm training for dairy farm feeders  

- Offered in English and Spanish

- Stations with hands-on activities/demos 

View Dairy Feeder School Details

Tax 102: Tax planning and strategies for Farmers

November 4, 2026 : Tax 102: Tax planning and strategies for Farmers

This webinar follows the "Introduction to Income Taxes" webinar from September, going more into depth on topics including: understanding common tax concepts, tax strategies, long-term approaches to managing taxes, and more!

View Tax 102: Tax planning and strategies for Farmers Details

Labor Roadshow: Practical Workforce Strategies for Agricultural Professionals Across New York

November 30, 2026
December 21, 2026

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.

View Labor Roadshow: Practical Workforce Strategies for Agricultural Professionals Across New York Details

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