Cornell Agricultural Workforce and NYCAMH will be co-hosting a Heat Illness Prevention Webinar, presented in Spanish for the Hispanic Workforce on April 23. Your workforce can join our webinar on heat illness prevention, designed specifically for Hispanic farm employees. With potential changes in New York State laws, it is essential to understand best practices for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. Learn key strategies to prevent heat-related illnesses and keep everyone protected in the field. The webinar will be hosted by María Bess Lewis from Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development and Anna Meyerhoff from the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH).

Topics Covered in the Webinar:

• How to recognize and prevent heat-related illnesses
• The importance of hydration and what drinks to avoid
• How to safely adapt to heat exposure (acclimatization)
• Rest and shade: key factors in preventing heat stress
• Proper clothing for working in high temperatures
• Strategies to minimize heat risks

📅 Date: April 23 – 🕛 Time: 12:00-1:00 PM EST
🔗 Zoom Link: bit.ly/3DMYVGY
This webinar will be conducted ONLY IN SPANISH. Don’t let your workforce miss it!

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Translated below:

Cornell Agricultural Workforce y NYCAMH organizarán conjuntamente un seminario web sobre prevención de enfermedades causadas por el calor, presentado en español para la fuerza laboral hispana el 23 de abril.

Únase a nuestro webinar sobre la prevención de enfermedades por calor, diseñado para trabajadores agrícolas hispanos. Con los posibles cambios en las leyes de Nueva York, es fundamental conocer las mejores prácticas para mantener un ambiente de trabajo seguro y saludable. Aprenda estrategias clave para prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor y proteger a todos en el campo. El webinar será presentado por María Lewis, de Desarrollo de la Fuerza Laboral Agrícola de Cornell, y Anna Meyerhoff, del Centro para la salud y medicina agrícola de Nueva York (NYCAMH).

Temas que se abordarán en el webinar:

• Cómo reconocer y prevenir enfermedades por calor
• Importancia de la hidratación y qué bebidas evitar
• Cómo adaptarse al calor de manera segura (aclimatación)
• Descanso y sombra: claves para evitar el estrés por calor
• Ropa adecuada para trabajar en altas temperaturas
• Estrategias para minimizar el riesgo de calor

📅 Fecha: 23 de abril – 🕛 Hora: 12:00-1:00 PM EST
🔗 Enlace de Zoom: bit.ly/3DMYVGY
Este webinar se impartirá SOLAMENTE EN ESPAÑOL. ¡No se lo pierda!

Farm employers should check out training sessions hosted by NYSDOL across the state, see details in English and Spanish below and register here: https://forms.office.com/g/3RxcZAjdjp

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Good afternoon growers and contractors!

Do you work with a Farm Labor Contractor or have you considered the service of a Farm Labor Contractor to meet your labor needs? Are you currently or have you considered operating as a Farm Labor Contractor to assist NY agriculture growers meet their labor needs?

The New York State Department of Labor is excited to offer four in-person training sessions for growers and farm labor contractors in Long Island, Western NY and the Finger Lakes regions. These sessions will assist growers and farm labor contractors in preparing for the upcoming harvest season and ensuring compliance with Migrant Registration Law (212-A).

In each session, we will share information on the role of the Division of Compliance and Education, NYS Labor Law pertaining to agriculture, and Farm Labor Contractor definitions and requirements in New York State. We will also be virtually hosting representatives from USDOL Wage and Hour to discuss federal compliance and federal Farm Labor Contractor registrations. Finally, a representative from NYS Worker’s Compensation will also be present to discuss workers compensation items as they relate to growers and farm labor contractors. We thank our partners at Cornell Cooperative Extension to helping us host these sessions!

Registration packets and other informational material will be provided for in-person attendees. To register for a training in your area: https://forms.office.com/g/3RxcZAjdjp

Thursday, February 27^th — 10am-12pm — Cornell Cooperative Extension (423 Griffing Ave., Riverhead, NY 11901)

Tuesday, March 4^th – 1:00pm- 2:30pm – Cornell Cooperative Extension (B14 Jordan Hall 630 W. North Street Geneva, NY 14456)

Wednesday, March 5^th – 9:30am- 11:00am – Cornell Cooperative Extension (6592 West Main Road Portland, NY, 14769)

Wednesday, March 5^th – 2:30pm- 4:00pm – NYS Department of Labor Career Center (458 West Ave Ste 3, Albion, NY 14411)

If you have any logistical questions prior to the trainings please contact doce@labor.ny.gov. Thanks for all you do to support NY agriculture, we look forward to seeing you there!

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¡Buenas tardes, productores y contratistas!

¿Trabaja con un contratista de trabajo agrícola o ha considerado los servicios de un contratista de trabajo agrícola para satisfacer sus necesidades laborales? ¿Está trabajando actualmente o ha considerado trabajar como contratista de trabajo agrícola para ayudar a los productores agrícolas de Nueva York para satisfacer sus necesidades laborales?

El Departamento de Trabajo del Estado de Nueva York estará ofreciendo cuatro sesiones de entrenamiento en persona para productores y contratistas de trabajo agrícola en Long Island, el oeste de Nueva York y las regiones de Finger Lakes. Estas sesiones ayudarán a los productores y contratistas de trabajo agrícola a prepararse para la próxima temporada de cosecha y garantizar el cumplimiento de la Ley de Registro de Migrantes (212-A).

En cada sesión, compartiremos información sobre el papel de la División de Cumplimiento y Educación, la Ley Laboral del Estado de Nueva York relacionada con la agricultura y las definiciones y requisitos de los contratistas de trabajo agrícola en el estado de Nueva York. También recibiremos virtualmente a representantes de la Oficina de Salarios y Horas del Departamento de Trabajo de los Estados Unidos para hablar sobre el cumplimiento federal y los registros federales de contratistas de trabajo agrícola. Por último, un representante de la Compensación de los Trabajadores del Estado de Nueva York también estará presente para hablar sobre los temas de compensación de los trabajadores relacionados con los productores y contratistas de trabajo agrícola. Agradecemos a nuestros socios de Cornell Cooperative Extension por ayudarnos a organizar estas sesiones.

Se proporcionarán paquetes de inscripción y otro material informativo a los asistentes presenciales. Para inscribirse en una capacitación en su área: https://forms.office.com/g/3RxcZAjdjp

Jueves, 27 de febrero – 10 a. m. a 12 p. m. – Cornell Cooperative Extension (423 Griffing Ave., Riverhead, NY 11901)

Martes, 4 de marzo – 1:00 p. m. a 2:30 p. m. – Cornell Cooperative Extension (B14 Jordan Hall 630 W. North Street Geneva, NY 14456)

Miércoles, 5 de marzo – 9:30 a. m. a 11:00 a. m. – Cornell Cooperative Extension (6592 West Main Road Portland, NY, 14769)

Miércoles, 5 de marzo – 2:30 p. m. a 4:00 p. m. – NYS Department of Labor Career Center (458 West Ave Ste 3, Albion, NY 14411)

Si tiene preguntas logísticas antes de los entrenamientos, escribanos al correo doce@labor.ny.gov.

¡Gracias por todo lo que hace para apoyar la agricultura de Nueva York, esperamos verlo allí!

Division of Compliance & Education, formerly Division of Immigrant Policies and Affairs

New York State Department of Labor

www.labor.ny.gov | doce@labor.ny.gov

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The Ag Workforce Quarterly December 2024 (Quarter 4) Edition is now available.

This quarterly e-newsletter is delivered to your inbox in March, June, September, and December.

Quarter 4 Topics within the e-newsletter include:
+ A word from our editor, Andrea Durmiaki
+ Regulatory Updates, Richard Stup
+ Ag Supervisory Leadership updates and upcoming courses, Rachel McCarthy
+ Housing Updates, Jay Canzonier
+ Hablamos Español – our Spanish resources section, Mary “Bess” Lewis
News
+ Labor Roadshow – there is still time to register for recordings and the online webinars on Dec. 17 & 18!
+ Ag Workforce Central Events

If you have any news, events, or opportunities that you’d like to share in our upcoming newsletter, please email Ag Workforce Quarterly Editor, Andrea Durmiaki, at cu-agworkforce@cornell.edu.

2024 brought with it challenges and stress that have impacted us individually, as families, and as teams operating our farm businesses. Winter has come crashing in on most parts of New York, reminding us that the end of the season is here, and that our farm families and employees are ready for a much-needed rest.  

Laura Ingalls Wilder told us “Home is the nicest word there is.”  It’s where the healing happens. It’s where we find respite from exhaustion, and encouragement from family and friends. With the holiday season upon us, home finds special meaning. Faith and festivities are expressed through decoration, meals with special meanings are shared, and being together has an extra special importance. For our employees who won’t be able to be with their families, it can be a difficult time. For those experiencing that separation for the first time, the emotional strain of not being able to return home can feel overwhelming.  

In the spirit of the season, let’s all remember that home is more than just a physical space; it’s a sense of belonging and connection. Providing small touches of holiday cheer such as decorations, group meals, and activities can help make the holiday season feel more welcoming and familiar. Ask employees if they have any special holiday requests and ensure they have means of communicating with distant family. Offer a warm handshake and a pat on the back with a holiday greeting in their native language, perhaps; ¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo! These seemingly small gestures can be so important in helping your employees know that you appreciate their sacrifices, and that you appreciate them as part of your farm family.  

Happy holidays and a joyous New Year to your farm family from our farm family.

By Jay Canzonier, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post Farm-provided Employee Housing and the Holidays appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.

Start the new year by sharpening your leadership skills with Ag Supervisory Leadership (ASL) 104: Staffing and Organizing Your Team. This essential online course, starting January 17, 2025, is perfect for farm managers, supervisors, and HR professionals eager to build a stronger, more effective team.

Course topics:

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

Key Details:

• Start Date: January 17, 2025
• Live Sessions: Thursdays at 3 PM ET (January 23 – February 27, 2025)
• Cost: $275 (NY residents) | $325 (Out-of-state)
• Scholarship: $100 for eligible dairy producers

Pre-register by January 22, 2025.

For more information or to register, visit our ASL page.

Another opportunity for skill development is our Agricultural English Mentorship (AEM) Program:
The AEM program helps Spanish-speaking farm employees improve their English through professional instruction, mentorship, and practical farm scenarios. This opportunity will only be available for a limited time.

Key Features:

• Mentorship: Each farm assigns an English-speaking mentor for weekly 15-minute sessions, focusing on farm-specific vocabulary.
• English Instruction: Participants learn at their own pace with pre-recorded videos and live Zoom sessions covering pronunciation, grammar, and farm-related terms.
• Course Topics: Includes lessons on the alphabet, greetings, farm culture, employee handbooks, and more.

Course Details:

• Start Date: January 17, 2025
• Live Sessions: Fridays, January 24–February 28, 2025
• Platform: Moodle app (accessible on phones and computers)
• Commitment: 2 hours per week, including mentor meetings

Why Participate?
Improve communication, increase productivity, and support career growth for farm employees.

For more info or to register, visit AEM Program page or contact Mary Lewis at ml2656@cornell.edu.