Enzi, Barrasso Fight to Keep Labor Department Out of Wyoming Farms

Press Release

U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., joined 36 of their colleagues yesterday in introducing common sense legislation, the Preserving America's Family Farm Act, to prevent the Department of Labor (DOL) from enacting its controversial proposed restrictions on youth working on family farms.

Last year, DOL Secretary Hilda Solis proposed rules that would restrict family farm operations by prohibiting youth under the age of 18 from being near certain age animals without adult supervision, participating in common livestock practices such as vaccinating and hoof trimming, or handling most animals more than six months old, which would severely limit participation in 4-H and FFA activities and restrict their youth farm safety classes. The rules would also prohibit youth from operating farm machinery over 20 PTO horsepower, completing tasks at elevations over six feet high, and working at stockyards and grain and feed facilities. The language of the proposed rule is so specific it would even ban youth from operating a battery powered screwdriver or a pressurized garden hose.

"Wyoming farmers and ranchers don't need the federal government telling them how to raise young people in agriculture," said Enzi. "This labor rule keeps the next generation from learning the skills they need to continue the family business. Our bill protects the future of agriculture and the traditions of rural America."

"These out-of-touch rules clearly show that Washington does not have a real understanding of the work that is done on farms and ranches across the nation," said Barrasso. "If this Washington rule goes forward, many of Wyoming's family farms and ranches will lose an important part of their way of life. By eliminating these destructive regulations, this bill will protect Wyoming's rural values and ensure the future of our agricultural communities."

In December of last year, a group of 30 Senators sent a letter to Secretary Solis requesting that the proposed rule be withdrawn and outlined numerous concerns. As of today, DOL has not responded to the bipartisan letter.

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