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!
Advanced Hoof Health Program
January 15, 2026
Belfast, NY
Who should attend?
- Professional hoof trimmers
- Dairy farm owners or managers in charge of farm foot health
Topics include:
- How to Create a Strategic Trimming Program for your Dairy
- The Latest in Lameness Technology for the Dairy Industry
- Housing and Flooring Design: Its Role in Hoof Care
NY Pork Producers Connection Breakfast - Geneseo
January 17, 2026 : Pork Producers Connection Breakfast - Geneseo
Geneseo, NY
All pork producers are invited to join the New York Pork Producers for a free hot farmer's breakfast, at which they'll catch up on topics including the pork to dairy barn conversion series, NYPP digital campaigns, and 840-RFID tags.
Announcements
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