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
Virtual Egg Count Training for Sheep and Goats
April 23, 2026 : Virtual Fecal Egg Count Training for Sheep and Goats
Amy Barkley and Rachel Moody, Livestock Specialists with Cornell Cooperative Extension, will take attendees through the why, how, and interpretation of fecal egg count testing for sheep and goats using the McMaster method.
Women in Ag Legislative Breakfast
April 24, 2026 : Women in Ag Legislative Breakfast
Avon, NY
Come on out for an in-person gathering celebrating the incredible women shaping agriculture! This event features NYS Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey, NYS Senator Pam Helming, the Finger Lakes Small Business Development Center, Genesee Valley Conservancy, Jenn Vorhees from Sap Tap Farms.
So, You Want to Start a Farm Stand?
May 12, 2026
Announcements
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