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
Dairy Grazing Pasture Walk
July 1, 2026
Bath, NY
FREE
0.75 DEC credits in CORE, 1a, 21 Available
Presentations from Steuben County Soil and Water and SWNY DLFC Team
Fecal Egg Count Mobile Workshops Summer 2026 - CCE Cattaraugus (Ellicottville, NY)
July 1, 2026
Ellicottville, NY
Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension's Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Program (SWNYDLFC) will be teaching a series of fecal egg count mobile workshops for those who are interested in the internal parasite challenges affecting sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas.
Cows, Crops & Critters - Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Newsletter Sponsorship
December 18, 2026
Our two forms of publications feature research-based and timely information from our four specialists, listed to the right, along with local event notifications and Cornell University outreach. This information is provided to participants who range from dairy, livestock, and field crops producers to agricultural suppliers and consultants.
Weekly Email Update: Shared with 625+ households who have signed up with our program.
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If you sponsor our weekly and monthly publications you reach approximately 955 households.
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