Supervising Farm Employees: Farm Labor Management Master Class in Eastern NY
Event Details
Date
March 2 - March 3, 2020
Time
10am-4pm
Location
CCE Dutchess County
2715 Route 44
Millbrook, NY 12545
Cost
First attendee from a farm : $60.00
Additional attendees from the same farm : $50.00
Host
Eastern New York Commercial HorticultureElizabeth Higgins
518-949-3722
email Elizabeth Higgins

To Register: Click on the registration link to go to the Cornell Ag Workforce Registration Page Registration Link. Make sure that you select the March 2-3 workshop in Dutchess County (unless you prefer to take the class in Western NY later that month).
Supervising Farm Employees: The Farm Labor Management Master Class in Eastern NY is a hands-on workshop to explore best practices in supervising farm employees. Participants will learn concepts in leadership and immediately apply them through hands-on practice and interaction. Experienced and new supervisors will benefit from the workshop as will those who are not yet supervisors but expect to have that responsibility soon. Specific topics will include:
- Transitioning from high performer to supervisor
- Management styles
- Human motivation
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Communications
- Managing performance
The class will be led by Richard Stup, Ph.D. the Ag Workforce Development Specialist for Cornell Cooperative Extension. Other speakers include Elizabeth Higgins, Ag Business Specialist, Eastern NY Commercial Hort Team and Mark Wiltberger, Ag Business Specialist, Lake Ontario Fruit Team. The same program will be held in Western NY on March 16-17 if you can't make the 2nd and 3rd. Contact Elizabeth Higgins (emh56@cornell.edu) for more information.
Lunch and all program materials are included in the registration fee of $60. There is a discounted fee of $50 for additional participants from the same farm.

Upcoming Events
Ag Labor Road Show IX
December 1, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 1
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
December 9, 2025 : Save the Date - Ag Labor Road Show In-Person Event (Greenwich, NY)
Greenwich, NY
The Roadshow 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.
The in-person session for Eastern NY is December 9 - Elks Lodge, Greenwich, NY - full day in person session
Additional in-person sessions are:
December 10 - Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown, NY, December 17 - Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY, December 18 - Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY
December 22, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 2
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
2026 Winter Cut Flower Webinar Series
January 6, 2026
The fifth annual CCE Cut Flower Webinar Series begins on January 6, 2026 and continues over 5 weeks on Tuesdays. This is a very popular series of online events you won't want to miss, with topflight speakers, a wide variety of subjects concerning growing cut flowers and plenty of interaction between speakers and attendees.
Tuesdays 1pm-3pm January 6, 2026 - February 3, 2026 (The webinar held on February 3 will run 1pm-4pm)
Cost: $60.00 for all five sessions, $20 for single sessions
Webinars will be recorded, and all the recordings will be sent to registrants for future review.
Expanding Farm Sales: Markets, Profits, and Branding Series
January 10, 2026
Looking to diversify where you sell your farm products? This four-part workshop series helps farmers explore new opportunities in direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and institutional markets. Learn how to meet buyer expectations, price for profitability, and build lasting relationships that support your business goals. Participants will strengthen marketing and communication skills, evaluate which sales channels best fit their farm, and connect with buyers, distributors, and local partners who can help expand their reach. Whether you're just starting out or ready to grow your market presence, this program will help you chart the right path for your farm's future.
Four Session Series: Saturdays from 10AM to Noon, January 10-January 31, 2026
Attend at one of three locations: Schoharie Extension Center - Cobleskill, NY; Otsego Education Center - Cooperstown, NY; Via Zoom
Pre-registration is requested! Fee: $25 Register Here
Any questions can be directed to Kelley Doolin at kmd322@cornell.edu
