Workforce Issues and the New York Dairy Industry
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
While dairy farmers in New York State are heavily reliant on Hispanic workers to fill
increasingly skilled positions on the farm, they are currently facing a myriad of concerns
regarding this workforce. This report is a summary of a focus group of 12 employers of
Hispanic dairy workers that took place to discuss recruitment, retention and employment of these
workers. The participating farms had workforces made up of at least 50% Hispanic employees.
To read the full report, go to: https://dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/extension-bulletins/documents/Cornell-Dyson-eb1703.pdf
Dairy
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Upcoming Events
2026 Forage Congress
March 12, 2026
Nunda, NY
Due to the unprecedented winter storm that recently impacted travel conditions across the region and U.S., combined with extreme cold temperatures and associated safety concerns, Forage Congress was postponed out of an abundance of caution. This decision was made with the safety of our participants, speakers, staff, and venue partners as the highest priority.
We are pleased to officially announce that Forage Congress has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026, and will be held at The Nunda Ranch as originally planned.
Address: 2278-NY 436, Nunda, New York 14517
Sponsorship opportunities, vendor participation, and event registration are now open. We are excited to reconvene this important educational program and look forward to welcoming producers, industry partners, and speakers for a full day of applied, research-based forage systems programming.
From Dry to Fresh: Transition Cow Management Training
March 12, 2026
Albion, NY
This is a 1-day hands-on training in transition cow management offered in English and Spanish.
TENTATIVE- 2026 Dairy Feeder School - November 2026
November 11 - November 12, 2026
Dates are TENTATIVE for 2026! More Details to Come!
Join the Regional Dairy Specialists for a one day on-farm training for dairy farm feeders. The training will be offered in English and Spanish and will feature stations with hands-on activities and demonstrations.