Iowa Cattlemen's Assn objects to child labor proposal

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association is encouraging the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to reconsider its proposed rules to prohibit people younger than 16 from working with livestock.

In comments sent to DOL on Nov. 30, ICA said its members are sensitive to safety concerns, but DOL should “consider something less than an absolute ban. With appropriate instruction and adult supervision we can protect young workers while educating them to become competent adult workers in agriculture,” said Matt Deppe, ICA's Chief Executive Officer. “On-the-job training is vital to teaching young people appropriate animal care,” he said.

“Portions of the proposed regulation will become barriers for our young people to enter agriculture. As proposed, we believe the regulations create a barrier to young people entering agricultural careers at a time when the agriculture industry needs workers.”

Although the proposed rules from DOL allow a “parental exemption” for supervising youth working on the farm, ICA asked that the rules be rewritten to focus on supervision by a competent adult that will recognize today's business structures used in farming.

The rules allow children of farming parents to work on the farm unless the family farm is incorporated. And other family members, like nieces and nephews, are not exempt no matter how the farm's business structure is set up.

Comments to the DOL on its child labor regulations were due on Dec. 1. Notice of the regulations was published in the Sept. 2, 2011 Federal Register.

About the Iowa Cattlemen's Association:  The Iowa Cattlemen's Association represents about 9,500 beef-producing families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa's beef industry. ICA's mission is “Grow Iowa's beef business through advocacy, leadership and education.”