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
Livestock
Grazing
Forages
Grains
Upcoming Events
2026 Corn Silage Dry Down Day- Yates County
September 14, 2026
Himrod, NY
Bring a sample of corn stalks from each field you anticipate harvesting for corn silage to receive whole plant dry matter value, estimated harvest date range, and information on best management practices for the 2026 corn silage harvest.
2026 Corn Silage Dry Down Day- Seneca County
September 15, 2026
Romulus, NY
Bring a sample of corn stalks from each field you anticipate harvesting for corn silage to receive whole plant dry matter value, estimated harvest date range, and information on best management practices for the 2026 corn silage harvest.
2026 Dairy Feeder School- Wyoming County
November 11, 2026
Perry, NY
Registration will open by the end of September.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
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.