By Kaitlyn Lutz

Have you ever asked an employee if they understand a protocol, they respond yes, and then complete the task incorrectly? Within our largely multicultural farm teams, this phenomenon is explained in part by the concept of low vs. high context cultures.

Low-context societies tend to focus on problems rather than people, communicate directly and say what they mean, emphasizing the actual words spoken. This is the American stereotype to a T!

High-context societies, in contrast, focus on people and relationships, are attuned to and value non-verbal cues and trust is essential to work together successfully. Both Mexico and Jamaica are considered high context. From an American lens, this often feels like beating around the bush or avoidance.

Which one resonates with you? Which one resonates with your key employees?

The graphic here shows where different countries fall on the high vs. low context scale. The point is not to stereotype, but to use this construct to help in your team communications. So how can these differences play out in the workplace?

When you ask an employee from a high-context culture if they understand a task, here are questions to ask yourself:

• Have I built trust with this employee? If not, they may not feel comfortable giving you their straight answer.

If you’ve built trust, your employees will come to you with questions and be honest about mistakes.

Need to build trust? A simple way to start is by asking employees how the job is going and what they need and then acting upon their feedback to show you value their opinion.

• What does their body language say? If they’re distracted, looking down or fidgeting, this could be their subtle, high-context way of saying “No!”

What do I do now? Reflect back what you see by saying something like, “I know you said you understand, but you look uncomfortable. It’s important that you understand. Would you like me to show you how to do this?” Many farm employees, especially Latino employees, have shared with our team their preference for being physically shown how to do a task instead of explained verbally.

For an example of low vs. high context communication, watch this short YouTube video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vgRBENL5es

So, although farming used to be a relatively solitary job, we are certainly in the people-business nowadays. And while relationship building might feel hard to prioritize sometimes, we in agriculture are excellent at just this. Last week I asked a group of milk-inspectors from across the US, “What motivates you to work with farms?”. Their resounding response was, “the people and the community.” Our employees, citizen or immigrant, are a huge part of our community and it’s our job to build trust, even if it takes reading between the lines sometimes. It may even turn a Yes into a Yes!

Please share the Spanish version of this post, adapted for employees, below.

¿Por qué decimos “sí” cuando queremos decir “no”?  Una diferencia cultural que causa frustración.

¿Una vez ha decido “si” a tu supervisor cuando debería decir “no”? ¿Por ejemplo, su supervisor te pregunto “Es claro que necesitas hacer?” Quizás, “no tengo ni idea que está diciendo, pero no quiero decirlo.” Hay muchas diferencias en la manera en que diferentes culturas comunican, y uno de estos se llama “contexto”.

Culturas de Bajo Contexto: normalmente enfoquen en los problemas en vez de las personas, comunican en una manera directa, diciendo lo que piensan y pon mucho énfasis en las palabras. ¿Suena como el patrón? Es muy común este estilo en los EE. UU.

Culturas de Alto Contexto: El opuesto. Ellos enfoquen en las personas y relaciones, valora mucho las señales no-verbales y la confianza es esencial para trabajar con éxito juntos. México y Guatemala son culturas de alto contexto. Para los americanos, este tipo de comunicación (mucho contexto) parece muy indirecto e ineficiente, incluso se siente como la persona está tratando de evitar la respuesta real

Para mirar un video breve de Marco Ríos Pita explicando el concepto de alto y bajo contexto, haz clic aquí: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im20V18xFJo.

¿Personalmente, cual tipo de comunicación resuena más contigo? ¿Y con tu patrón?

No debemos usar esta información para crecer estereotipos, pero para mejorar la comunicación entre tu equipo. Aquí abajo hay unos tips sobre cómo podemos aplicar esta información al trabajo.

• Hacer preguntas cuando no está seguro de lo que el patrón te pido hacer. Si es difícil entender en palabras, y no hablan lo mismo idioma, pregúntale usando un traductor a mostrarte la tarea.
• Intenta comunicarte en forma muy directa y honesta. Recuerde, en los estados unidos, ser breve no es grosero, es simplemente normal.

Claramente, hay otros factores aparte de el que se afecta mucho la manera en que respondemos a nuestro patrón. También faltas de comunicación debido al idioma, la confianza que tenemos entre nosotros y más. ¡Recuerde, cada herramienta de comunicación que metimos en nuestra caja de herramientas es un paso más al éxito laboral y personal!

Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post When “Yes” means “No”. Cultural factors affecting this common frustration. appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.

Dairy and agricultural operations across New York are invited to participate in the upcoming Lean Management Workshop Series: Tools for Continuous Operational Improvement and Efficiency, a practical, hands-on training designed to help farm teams streamline operations, reduce waste, and strengthen a culture of continuous improvement.

Lean Management is a proven, team-based approach to identifying and eliminating waste in farm systems to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency. Through this workshop series, farm teams will work together as they learn practical tools to solve real on-farm problems, standardize best practices, and sustain ongoing improvements across all areas of their operation.

Participants can expect measurable results and lasting improvements, including higher productivity through fewer delays and smoother workflows; safer work environments with clearer standards and reduced risks; more engaged employees who contribute ideas and take ownership; lower costs by cutting waste in time, materials, and motion; and sustained success with measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.

The program combines hands-on classroom learning with real-farm application, giving teams the opportunity to immediately apply Lean Management tools to improvement projects on their own farms. Each team will collaborate with other dairy farms in the cohort, receive facilitator support while implementing real-world improvement projects, develop a clear and measurable action plan, and benefit from follow-up coaching to ensure long-term success. Teams are encouraged to choose a project that is meaningful, measurable, and within their authority to improve. Example project areas include cattle care and milking operations, feeding and ingredient management, manure handling and clean-up routines, field operations, equipment staging and repairs, purchasing and inventory management, and employee onboarding or performance management. Program facilitators Dr. Kaitlyn Lutz and Dr. Richard Stup are available to assist teams in defining and selecting suitable projects.

This program is ideal for farms committed to long-term success and strong employee engagement. Farms located in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (GLOW region) counties will receive priority, but all farms across New York State are welcome to apply and attend at Genesee Community College. Each participating farm must register a team of 2–3 people, which can include managers, team leaders, or employees directly involved in farm operations.

Continuous improvement requires collaboration, shared understanding, and buy-in from multiple perspectives. By working as a team, farms build the systems thinking and shared context necessary to create lasting, effective change. Each team will designate a facilitator to help guide their project and ensure steady progress. Farms may select their own qualified facilitator or request assistance in identifying one for the program.

The program cost is $1,080 per farm, which covers training for 2–3 farm participants plus their facilitator. This fee includes all workshop sessions, materials, and meals.

Farms must attend all three workshops to complete the program, scheduled for February 4, February 11, and February 18, 2025, at Genesee Community College in Batavia, New York. The registration fee includes three full-day Lean Management workshops, supporting books and materials, as well as coffee, light refreshments, and lunch each day.

Spaces are limited. To apply or learn more about the program, contact Kaitlyn Lutz at kal263@cornell.edu.

The Lean Management Workshop Series equips farm teams with the tools and mindset needed for continuous operational improvement. By empowering employees, enhancing efficiency, and reducing waste, Lean Management helps farms build safer, more productive, and more sustainable businesses for the future.

By Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.

Labor Roadshow IX delivers essential updates on labor law, regulations, and workforce best practices—tailored for farm owners, managers, and ag service providers. Sessions also focus on practical strategies to boost communication, strengthen retention, and build a positive workplace culture.

This year, we will dig deep into pressing issues that every farm employer needs to understand. Dynamic speakers will present and take questions on topics such as the following:

• Immigration and Farm/Family Preparedness
• Compliance Updates
• Unionization
• Employee Engagement and Improving Culture
• Employee Housing Operational Costs
• Pest Management in Employee Housing
• Legality of Employee Monitoring
• How to Interact with Regulators and the Public about Labor Issues

Below you will find more information regarding Labor Roadshow speakers and presenters.

Webinar Presenters:
Varvara Chinenova
Presenting: Family Preparedness

This session will provide practical insights into the tools and resources farm employers and employees should be aware of to protect themselves and their families in case they aren’t here tomorrow.

Varvara Chinenova is the Director of Statewide Service Coordination with the New York Immigration Coalition focused on supporting immigrant rights education and advocacy.

Michael Sciotti
Presenting: Employee Video Monitoring:

This session will explore the legal landscape of employee video monitoring in New York State and best practices employers should consider when implementing a monitoring system. An emphasis will be placed on video cameras in the workplace, considerations when working with third-party vendors, and cameras in and around employee housing.

Michael Sciotti is a Partner at the law firm Barclay Damon LLP and a trusted advisor, trainer, and litigator to hundreds of employers on labor and employment matters, including many agricultural employers.

Joshua Viau
Presenting: Union Update for New York Employers

This session will provide an overview of farm union activity in New York State from the perspective of a lawyer that represents many farm employers with union activity. The session will include litigation updates, insights on recent union activity, and practical advice for employers when approaching the topic of unionization.

Josh Viau is a Partner and Co-Regional Managing Partner of the Atlanta office of law firm Fisher Phillips. Josh serves as a trusted advisor to agricultural employers throughout the country, including representing employers before the New York State Public Employment Relations Board.

Onsite Presenters:

Timothy Connick
Presenting: Update on NY Farm Unionization

The chair of the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) will provide an update on the work of the Office of Private Employment Practices & Representation at PERB which oversees the administration of collective bargaining rights for farm laborers under the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practice Act.

Timothy Connick serves as a Member and Chair of the New York State Public Employment Relations Board, with responsibility for carrying out policies set by the Board and for overseeing the function and administration of the agency.

Mary Slattery
Presenting: Compliance Update from NYSDOL

Representatives from the New York State Department of Labor Division of Compliance & Education (DOCE) will provide information about NY Paid Sick Leave, avoiding illegal retaliation, how to handle housing deductions and other employee allowances and deductions, and enforcement priorities for the upcoming season.

Mary Slattery is the Director of the Division of Compliance & Education (DOCE) at the New York State Department of Labor, which includes oversight of the Agriculture Labor Program which provides agricultural employers and employees with access to services to help them be successful. Also presenting will be various DOCE field staff from around the state.

Michael Sciotti
Presenting: Immigration Enforcement Update and Reminders

This session will provide an update for on current immigration enforcement activity as well as reminders about employee work authorization (I-9s) and the penalties employers can face for non-compliance.

Michael Sciotti is a Partner at the law firm Barclay Damon LLP and a trusted advisor, trainer, and litigator to hundreds of employers on labor and employment matters, including many agricultural employers.

Kaitlyn Lutz
Presenting: Employee Engagement and Improving Workplace Culture on Your Farm

This session will explore actionable strategies to build a positive culture that motivates your team, reduces turnover, and creates a thriving work environment.

Kaitlyn is a member of the CAWD team and has a passion for developing organizational culture and helping farms find creative solutions to simplify workflow for increased efficiency and satisfaction. Her work focuses on the practical implementation of research-based methods to assist farms in developing their organization, just as you would develop the employees within it.

Emma Swarthout, Beth Meyer, and Kelsey O’Shea of ADANE
Presenting: How to Talk About Labor Issues with the Public and Elected Representatives

This session will provide a crash course on how to effectively communicate with the public and elected officials regarding difficult labor topics. The session will also touch on the importance of social media, including X, as effective engagement tools.

American Dairy Association North East is a group of professionals who are dedicated to building trust in, and sales of, dairy foods. They also work with dairy farmers to help them tell their story directly to consumers and the public.

Susannah Krysko
Presenting: Employee Housing Lightning Round with Cornell Ag Workforce Development’s Jay Canzonier

This session will highlight the work of CAWD to help employers understand their housing operational costs and promote the new Housing Expense Calculator. The session will also share concrete steps employers can take to pest proof their employee housing.

Susannah Krysko is the Community and Urban IPM Specialist with Cornell Integrated Pest Management focused on providing training, recommendations, consultations, site visits and resources for housing professionals and residents regarding pest issues in residential settings.

Jay Canzonier is a member of the CAWD team and brings extensive experience in produce farming, crop consulting, member relations, and in agribusiness. His work focuses on helping farms to better understand employee housing requirements and better manage facilities for the benefit of everyone involved as well as promoting and coordinates apprenticeship opportunities among farm employees, farm employer sponsors, training providers, and state funding agencies.

The Cornell Ag Workforce Development team will co-host and assist in presenting at all locations and webinars. Learn more about our team here

Review the program for all dates here

Registration is open!
Learn more
Register now

Labor Roadshow is brought to you by the NYS Ag Workforce Development Council.

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Additional sponsors: TalentPro by Pinion and CattleCare
Supporters: Agrimark, Cayuga Marketing, King Brothers Dairy, NBT Bank, NYS Horticulture Society, NYS Vegetable Growers Association, Red Jacket Orchards

Registration closes today for two Ag Supervisory Leadership Courses. Zoom sessions for both courses begin tomorrow. This is your last opportunity to register for our online courses until 2026!

The courses available are:
ASL104-SP: Selección y organización del personal (Staffing and Organizing Your Team-taught in Spanish)

In this course, we’ll identify how to write job descriptions for available positions to attract the best candidates. You’ll learn how to find employees with the desired profile, how to interview and select the right people. You’ll discover how to complete new employee paperwork, employment authorization, and onboarding—that is, how to effectively incorporate new employees into the farm in a successful and productive manner.

Course begins: Wednesday, November 12
Live Zoom discussions: Tuesdays, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET beginning November 18 through December 23.

Register for ASL104-SP: Selección y organización del personal

ASL105: Employee Development and Training

Three leadership practices are essential for supervisors: setting clear expectations, employee training and development, and providing performance feedback. In Employee Development and Training you will learn best practices to plan and conduct training that engages employees, supports retention, and helps ensure great quality work. You will also learn how to create a culture of continuous learning and performance improvement through employee development, coaching, and career planning.

Course begins: Wednesday, November 12
Live Zoom discussions: Tuesdays, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET beginning November 18 through December 23.

Register for ASL105: Employee Development and Training

Course costs:
$275 for NYS residents/$325 for out of state residents

Special Funding Opportunities for Dairy Producers!

Eligible Northeast dairy producers can receive a $100 scholarship from the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NEDBIC)—just select “Dairy (in NY)” or “Dairy (northeast states)” during registration to apply automatically!

Pennsylvania dairy producers can save even more! Thanks to the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania, you’ll receive an extra $50 off, bringing your total savings to $150 per person, per course when combined with NEDBIC’s support. Select “Dairy (in PA)” during registration to get both discounts automatically.

By Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.

The New York State Vegetable Growers Association (NYSVGA) is pleased to announce the 2026 Becker Forum, a key event for agriculture professionals, will be held on Wednesday, January 14 at Jordan Hall on the Cornell AgriTech campus. Producers need to stay up to speed with major changes in H-2A, overtime, and union organizing, as well as important issues like tax credits, retirement plans, and avoiding fraud and scams.

The Becker Forum, an annual gathering of growers, farm managers, and industry experts, offers a comprehensive program tailored to address the most pressing challenges facing the agricultural community today. The day will feature a series of informative sessions designed to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate these complex issues successfully.

Program Highlights:

• H-2A Wage Changes and Best Practices for Producers
• How New York State is Handling the H-2A Changes
• Other Visa Options for Securing Workers
• NY State Refundable Tax Credits for Farmers
• Onboarding Resources for Growers
• NY Farm Labor Union Updates
• Avoiding Fraud and Scams for Employees and Your Business
• New York’s New Mandatory Retirement Savings Program

Schedule:

• 8:30 AM – Check-in opens
• 8:50 AM – Program begins
• 4:30 PM – Program concludes

The Becker Forum provides a unique opportunity for networking, professional development, and staying up to date with the latest industry trends and regulations. This event is a must-attend for anyone involved in farm management, labor, or agriculture policy.

Registration:
ADVANCED REGISTRATION
$90/person

WALK-INS
$120/person
For more information and to register for the event, please visit https://nysvga.org/meeting-registration/

Contact:
For inquiries, please contact the NYS Veg Growers Association at nysvegetablegrowers@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Becker Forum at Cornell AgriTech!

Hotel Rooms Available:
Holiday Inn Express
530 Hamilton St.
Geneva, NY 14456

Group Code:
Visit : www.hiexpress.com/genevany

Select Arrival & Departure Dates

Use Group Code:  VGE

By Phone:
Call Reservations at (315) 787-0530
Reference NYS Vegetable Growers Expo when making reservations

About NYS Veg Growers Association (NYSVGA):
The NYS Veg Growers Association is dedicated to promoting and supporting New York’s vegetable growers through advocacy, education, and services. We work to ensure the continued success of New York’s vegetable farming community by providing resources and opportunities to help farmers thrive in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape.

Two dynamic courses from Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development are now open for registration and close November 17th.

The courses available are:
ASL104-SP: Selección y organización del personal (Staffing and Organizing Your Team-taught in Spanish)

In this course, we’ll identify how to write job descriptions for available positions to attract the best candidates. You’ll learn how to find employees with the desired profile, how to interview and select the right people. You’ll discover how to complete new employee paperwork, employment authorization, and onboarding—that is, how to effectively incorporate new employees into the farm in a successful and productive manner.

Course begins: Wednesday, November 12
Live Zoom discussions: Tuesdays, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET beginning November 18 through December 23.

Register for ASL104-SP: Selección y organización del personal

ASL105: Employee Development and Training

Three leadership practices are essential for supervisors: setting clear expectations, employee training and development, and providing performance feedback. In Employee Development and Training you will learn best practices to plan and conduct training that engages employees, supports retention, and helps ensure great quality work. You will also learn how to create a culture of continuous learning and performance improvement through employee development, coaching, and career planning.

Course begins: Wednesday, November 12
Live Zoom discussions: Tuesdays, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET beginning November 18 through December 23.

Register for ASL105: Employee Development and Training

Course costs:
$275 for NYS residents/$325 for out of state residents

Special Funding Opportunities for Dairy Producers!

Eligible Northeast dairy producers can receive a $100 scholarship from the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NEDBIC)—just select “Dairy (in NY)” or “Dairy (northeast states)” during registration to apply automatically!

Pennsylvania dairy producers can save even more! Thanks to the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania, you’ll receive an extra $50 off, bringing your total savings to $150 per person, per course when combined with NEDBIC’s support. Select “Dairy (in PA)” during registration to get both discounts automatically.

By Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.

Registration is required to attend our webinars.

The Ag Workforce Central Virtual Office Hour is a webinar series that occurs every other month featuring Cornell experts and guest speakers on timely topics for the agricultural workforce. Virtual Office Hour offers participants the opportunity to access expert insights, practical strategies, and interactive discussions on topics such as regulatory compliance, leadership development, and fostering a culture of engagement within farm businesses. 

By Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.

The Labor Roadshow returns next month with four locations across New York State and two webinars. Learn more about our program below:

On December 1, we begin the roadshow with our Kick Off Webinar from 12-2 PM: 

• Hour 1: Family Preparedness. Varvara Chinenova, Director of Statewide Service Coordination, New York Immigration Coalition 

• Hour 2: Employee Video Monitoring. Michael Sciotti, Partner, Barclay Damon 

Our onsite program is as follows (all four locations will have an identical program):  

Our Closing Webinar will take place on December 22 from 12-2 PM: 

• Hour 1: Union Update for New York Employers. Joshua Viau, Partner, Fisher Phillips 

• Hour 2: Summary and Reminders from Labor Roadshow IX, Richard Stup and Lucas Smith of Cornell Ag Workforce Development 

Registration is still open!
Learn more
Register now 

Labor Roadshow is brought to you by the NYS Ag Workforce Development Council.

Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development is offering two Ag Supervisory Leadership Courses starting this month. Registration closes one week today! Register your team and lock in this opportunity.

The courses available are:
ASL104-SP: Selección y organización del personal (Staffing and Organizing Your Team-taught in Spanish)

In this course, we’ll identify how to write job descriptions for available positions to attract the best candidates. You’ll learn how to find employees with the desired profile, how to interview and select the right people. You’ll discover how to complete new employee paperwork, employment authorization, and onboarding—that is, how to effectively incorporate new employees into the farm in a successful and productive manner.

Course topics include:

• Becoming a preferred employer
• Personnel planning
• Job descriptions
• Avoiding bias and discrimination
• Recruiting and interviewing
• The selection process
• Hiring and onboarding

Course begins: Wednesday, November 12
Live Zoom discussions: Live Zoom discussions: Tuesdays, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET beginning November 18 through December 23.

Register for ASL104-SP: Selección y organización del personal

ASL105: Employee Development and Training

Three leadership practices are essential for supervisors: setting clear expectations, employee training and development, and providing performance feedback. In Employee Development and Training you will learn best practices to plan and conduct training that engages employees, supports retention, and helps ensure great quality work. You will also learn how to create a culture of continuous learning and performance improvement through employee development, coaching, and career planning.

Course topics include:

• Planning effective training programs
• Onboarding new employees
• On the job training
• Staff development
• Creating a culture for continuous learning
• Coaching and career planning

Course begins: Wednesday, November 12
Live Zoom discussions: Tuesdays, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET beginning November 18 through December 23.

Register for ASL105: Employee Development and Training

Course costs:
$275 for NYS residents/$325 for out of state residents

Scholarship Opportunity for Dairy Producers:
Thanks to the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NEDBIC), eligible dairy producers can apply for a $100 scholarship to help cover registration fees. Scholarships are available to participants from qualifying states in the Northeast, including Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Additionally, PA Dairy Producers have a limited opportunity: Thanks to the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania, you’ll receive an extra $50 off, bringing your total savings to $150 per person, per course when combined with NEDBIC’s support. Select “Dairy (in PA)” during registration to get both discounts automatically.

Questions? Email cu-agworkforce@cornell.edu

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/cornellagworkforcedevelopment

Registration is required to attend our webinars.

The Ag Workforce Central Virtual Office Hour is a webinar series that occurs every other month featuring Cornell experts and guest speakers on timely topics for the agricultural workforce. Virtual Office Hour offers participants the opportunity to access expert insights, practical strategies, and interactive discussions on topics such as regulatory compliance, leadership development, and fostering a culture of engagement within farm businesses. 

By Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.