Common Sense — What a Concept

Yesterday, we passed along some comments on the Labor Department's proposals on restricting what duties kids can perform on the farm. Later in the day, the Labor Dept. announced they were backing away from implementing these restrictions.

Several people/agencies issued comments on the Labor Dept's. actions.

Among them were Missouri Governor Jay Nixon:

“I was proud to stand with farm families across Missouri and the Missouri Farm Bureau in opposing these rules, and I’m pleased that the U.S. Department of Labor is withdrawing its proposal.  The withdrawal of these rules restores common sense for farm families across Missouri.  Baling hay and doing chores are rites of passage for many young people on farms here in the heartland.  Helping on the farm is how young people learn responsibility, dependability and the value of hard work.  Today’s action ensures that those traditions will continue.”

Missouri State Senator Brian Munzlinger:

"I am so proud of all the Missourians who let their voices be heard by DOL. It is nice to see there is still a little common sense left in Washington D.C.”

"Missouri farm families lead the way every day. They fight weather and diverse economic climate,” Sen. Munzlinger said. “The one thing they shouldn't have to fight is their own government. That's why, here in Missouri, we will continue to protect the children and the families of our farmers. We are working on the Youth Employment in Agriculture Act. This act will help protect our farm families now and for future generations."

And Danny Murphy, First Vice President of the American Soybean Association:

"Thursday’s reversal by the Department of Labor of its onerous proposed child labor regulations is a victory for soybean farmers and farm families across the country. These rules would have significantly hindered the ability of youth to work on family farms and gain agricultural experience, and we are happy to see the administration make a practical and much needed course correction on this issue.

"I learned how to farm from my father, who learned from his father, and with that knowledge, we’ve kept our farm in the family since 1944. The strength of our industry is built on that understanding of the land, passed down from grandparents to parents to children. The families that comprise the soybean industry know that on-farm experience is the best teacher and part of the rural tradition and work ethic that has made our country’s farm economy strong.

"Nobody values on-farm safety more than farmers, and each of us strives daily to ensure that safety remains our top priority. ASA supports efforts to ensure that children are kept out of potentially hazardous situations on the farm, so we are pleased to hear of the administration’s pledge to work with our farm leadership organizations to develop farm safety programs, and we look forward to working with our public and private partners to ensure that these programs are practical and effective."