There is no doubt that increased labor costs, labor shortages, and potential legislative changes have had, and will continue to have, a significant impact on wineries and growers in New York State. In this session you will learn about trends in the New York agricultural labor market, how wineries have already been dealing with those changes, and the potential impact that labor challenges may have on winery margins and production. In addition to existing challenges, the New York Farm Laborers Wage Board recently voted 2 to 1 in favor of the proposal to lower the overtime threshold from 60 to 40 hours a week. This session will provide a brief update on the next steps and how some wineries are planning to deal with the phased in Overtime rule if it should come into effect.

Click Here to Register

Gregg McConnell is a Business Consultant with Farm Credit East, ACA. Beginning as a Farm Credit East loan officer, Gregg worked with a diverse portfolio of businesses for 15 years, including dairy, crop, equine and winery operations, in addition to specialized lending to sawmill operations and equipment dealerships. Today, Gregg offers his clients expertise in financial analysis and business transition, expansion and management. In addition, Gregg is the director of Farm Credit East’s Winery Benchmarks, a comprehensive program of farm and retail data analysis and financial reporting. A University of Maine graduate with a degree in animal science, Gregg pursues ongoing professional development in his fields of expertise.