Minimum Wage and Youth Employment in Dairy
Dairy runs on families and teenagers helping out, from showing calves to washing bottles. But once a young person is working for pay, rules about wages and hazardous tasks come into play.
Do wage rules apply to young dairy workers?
In general, wage laws can apply to young workers, and there are special rules for youth employment that are set out by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Agriculture is treated differently than other industries in some ways, and the details depend on the age of the worker and the type of task.
This article does not quote wage figures or age limits. Check the current rule at the Wage and Hour Division and the Department of Labor youth employment pages, and talk to an attorney for your specific facts.
What about a family farm?
Family farms often have special treatment for children working on a farm owned or operated by their parents, but that does not cover every situation, and it does not remove safety concerns. A neighbor's child or a cousin helping on a relative's farm may be a different case.
If you are unsure whether a family exception applies, ask the Wage and Hour Division. A short call can save a lot of trouble later.
Why are hazardous tasks treated differently?
Dairy has real hazards: large animals, equipment, chemicals, manure gases and slippery floors. Rules for young workers often restrict certain tasks for that reason. Even where a task is allowed, supervision, training and protective gear matter.
The OSHA site and the CDC agricultural safety material describe common farm hazards. For a deeper read, see the youth and family safety ideas at this farm safety guide.
- Working near large animals
- Operating or riding on equipment
- Handling cleaning chemicals
- Working in confined or enclosed spaces
A hypothetical example of a summer job
This is an example, not a real farm. A dairy offers a summer job to a young person who will help in the calf barn. The employer checks current youth rules first, writes down the tasks, keeps proof of age on file, and arranges training before the first shift.
The parent or guardian visits, sees the barn, and asks questions. The job is limited to tasks that fit the rules, and the supervisor checks in each day. It is a good first job because the farm planned it, not because it was lucky.
What should employers document?
Keep age records, a written task list, training notes, hours and pay. If your farm uses a work permit or similar paper under any current rule, keep a copy. Use the same timekeeping system as any other employee.
The Texas Workforce Commission has resources on youth employment in Texas, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers youth and ag safety programs. A first-job path is also described at this ag careers resource.
Common mistakes to avoid
The first mistake is assuming that because a task is light or familiar, it is allowed for anyone. Task limits can depend on age and on the kind of work, so check them each time. The second is hiring first and checking rules later, which leaves the farm exposed.
A third is skipping training because the young worker seems experienced. Many young people grow up around farms, but every dairy has its own layout, animals and routines. Walk through the barn, show the emergency exits and explain how to report a problem.
A fourth is failing to talk to parents or guardians about expectations. A short conversation, with questions welcome, builds trust. It also gives the family a chance to raise concerns about hours, schooling or transportation. Good first jobs are planned, and the farms that plan them tend to keep their best summer workers coming back.
How can a young worker or parent prepare?
Ask what tasks the job includes, who supervises, what training is given and how breaks and hours work. Ask how pay will be reported. Keep a small log of hours at home.
Share your questions with the supervisor and know where the first aid kit and emergency numbers are. At farm.FM there is a farm education section and a dairy section that younger readers may enjoy, along with a farm.FM story from the calf barn.
Sources and further reading
- DOL Wage and Hour Division: federal wage and overtime rules
- U.S. Department of Labor: labor rules and programs
- OSHA: workplace safety
- CDC: public health
- Texas Workforce Commission: employment and labor programs
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Texas extension service
Ask locally: Ask the Wage and Hour Division or a Texas employment attorney about your exact situation, and Texas A&M AgriLife about youth farm safety programs.