Child Labor Rules for Youth Farm Jobs

Before a teenager agrees to help at a farm, get the job description onto paper. “A little bit of everything” sounds welcoming until everything includes work near equipment the student has never seen. An employer and family should be able to identify the tasks, hours, worksite and person who will supervise.

Find the federal and state rules

The U.S. Department of Labor’s agricultural employment page provides federal guidance. Under federal rules, permitted agricultural employment depends on factors such as age, school hours, the specific task and the employment arrangement. Agricultural occupations designated especially hazardous generally have additional restrictions for workers under 16. Check the department’s cited exceptions and conditions with an employment specialist if you think one applies.

Compare the federal information with the Department of Labor’s state agricultural child labor table and the current guidance from the relevant state labor agency. State rules may impose more protective standards. Consult the agencies if the work crosses state lines, takes place in a territory or uses an arrangement the table fails to explain.

Describe tasks precisely

Make a table with the task, location, expected hours, equipment or animals involved, training needed and the supervising adult. “Sort washed produce in the packing room” describes a different situation from “help load the delivery truck.” Specify any possible task changes as well. A task list that ends with “other farm duties” can grow faster than a feed bill during a growth spurt.

If the proposed work includes power-driven equipment, large animals, handling chemicals, work at height, confined areas or other hazards, ask the appropriate labor office whether the specific duties are permitted. Get the answer before sending the teen into the work area. Include both the federal and state offices if you need clarification about overlapping requirements.

Talk about pay, school and supervision

Confirm pay, timekeeping, rest arrangements, transportation and when a student is expected to be home. Ask whether the program requires written permissions, proof of age or a specific training certificate. A paid placement, family farm arrangement, volunteer day and school-approved learning experience may call for different review. An FFA advisor can explain school requirements, and the labor agency can help interpret employment questions.

Recheck when the work changes

Suppose a student starts by counting herb pots at a nursery. After two weeks someone asks them to assist a worker in another growing area. Check the area, activities and required supervision before accepting the change. An approved task at one site gives no general authorization for unrelated work.

Keep guidance, training records and the agreed job description where the supervisor and family can find them. Give the young worker an adult contact and a clear way to pause a task and ask a question. A first paycheck is worth celebrating. So is the student who can point to their agreement and say, “Let’s check what we said I’d be doing today.”