Labor Roadshow IX

By Rich Stup, Director, Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development

The ninth edition of New York’s Labor Roadshow returns this December, bringing practical guidance on the workforce issues every New York farm employer needs to know. Presented by the Agricultural Workforce Development Council (AWDC) with the support of Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development (CAWD), the Roadshow combines in-person programming across the state with two complementary online webinars to deliver updates, legal guidance, and leadership strategies for managing people on farms.

Why Attend

  • Timely coverage of immigration, unionization, overtime, employee housing, technology, and compliance issues framed specifically for agricultural employers.

  • Practical, actionable presentations from attorneys, regulators, and industry experts that help farms reduce risk and improve workforce stability.

  • Networking and peer learning with other farm managers and agribusiness professionals across the Northeast.

  • Flexible access: one registration gives you access to one in-person session, a recording of an in-person session, and both live webinars.

Dates and Locations

  • In-Person

    • December 9 — Elks Lodge, Greenwich, NY

    • December 10 — Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown, NY

    • December 17 — Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY

    • December 18 — Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY

  • Online via Zoom

    • December 1 — 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

    • December 22 — 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Key Topics and Speakers

  • Immigration Update, by Attorney Michael Sciotti of Barclay Damon law firm

  • Farm/family Preparedness, by a panel of first responders, emergency personnel and farmers

  • Compliance Updates For Agricultural Employers, by NYS Department of Labor

  • Unionization Updates, from PERB and from Attorney Joshua Viau of Fisher Phillips law firm

  • Employee engagement and improving workplace culture, by Dr. Kaitlyn Lutz of CAWD

  • Employee housing operational costs and pest management, by Sysannah Krysko of Cornell Integrated Pest Management and Jay Canzonier of CAWD

  • Legality and best practices for employee monitoring using cameras and technology, by legal experts

  • How to interact with regulators and the public about labor issues

Registration, Cost, and What’s Included

  • Cost: $75 per person.

  • Payment: Cash, check, or advance online payment accepted.

  • Includes: Onsite programming for one event date, access to both webinars, recording access, coffee, refreshments, and lunch.

  • Register: https://forms.gle/HheZLetKwyi8J3t6A. Early registration is encouraged; spaces may be limited.

Contact and Additional Information

  • Program questions: cu-agworkforce@cornell.edu

  • Registration questions: office@nedpa.org

  • For the latest speaker and session updates, check the Labor Roadshow webpage.

Attend Labor Roadshow IX to sharpen your farm’s labor practices, stay ahead of regulatory changes, and connect with colleagues tackling the same workforce challenges. The Agricultural Workforce Development Council is dedicated to enhancing the agricultural workforce through education, advocacy, and support. By providing resources and training, AWDC helps farm employers navigate labor challenges effectively.