Labor Roadshow X Registration Now Open!

Tenth annual Labor Roadshow brings expert-led discussions and practical workforce strategies to agricultural professionals across New York.

The Agricultural Workforce Development Council of New York State (AWDC) will celebrate a decade of connecting and educating agricultural professionals when Labor Roadshow X returns this December with five in-person events and two webinars across New York State.

For nearly ten years, the Labor Roadshow has brought agricultural professionals together to learn, connect, and navigate the evolving challenges of agricultural labor. The 2026 event will continue that tradition with timely, expert-led discussions focused on the issues affecting farms and agricultural employers today—including labor law and compliance, employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture.

“Labor Roadshow has become an important annual opportunity for New York agriculture to come together around workforce challenges and solutions,” said Richard Stup, Director of Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development. Labor Roadshow X will offer both in-person and virtual programming, making it possible for agricultural professionals across the state to participate. The 2026 schedule includes:

In-Person Events

• December 7 — Walden, NY
• December 9 — Malone, NY
• December 15 — Batavia, NY
• December 16 — Geneva, NY
• December 17 — Rome, NY

Virtual Events

• November 30 — Kickoff Webinar
• December 21 — Closing Webinar

Topics for this year’s programming include:

• H-2A: Overview for Employers Considering the Program, Housing Requirements, Legislative Updates, and Practical Participation Tips from H-2A Agents and Employers
• Compliance Updates from New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL)
• Unionization
• Employee Engagement and Improving Culture
• NYSDOL Enforcement Tips
• Employee Handbooks

More information on speakers and topics coming soon.

REGISTER NOW!

Registration is now open for this event. The cost is $80/person, checks and online payment are accepted after confirmation of registration. Payment is not available at the time of registration. Once you are confirmed as a guest, you will be notified for payment options and next steps.

Each registration includes onsite programming for one event date, coffee, refreshments, and lunch provided, and access to two webinars.  Virtual-only registration is also available, which includes access to both the Kickoff and the Closing webinar, as well as a full programmed recording. Learn more and register here: https://www.eventleaf.com/e/LRS.

The event is hosted by the Agricultural Workforce Development Council of New York State, a collaboration of farms and agricultural organizations dedicated to advancing opportunities for employees and employers. AWDC works to strengthen agriculture by fostering collaboration and equipping employers with resources to build a skilled and sustainable agricultural workforce.

The Agricultural Workforce Development Council of New York State is a collaboration of farms and agricultural organizations dedicated to advancing opportunities for employees and employers. AWDC works to strengthen New York agriculture by fostering collaboration and equipping employers with resources to build a skilled, sustainable agricultural workforce.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact cu-agworkforce@cornell.edu for sponsorship information.

The Labor Roadshow is an annual agricultural workforce education event hosted by the Agricultural Workforce Development Council of New York State. Through in-person and virtual programming, the Roadshow brings agricultural professionals together with experts to address critical labor and workforce issues and share practical strategies for building stronger agricultural workplaces.