The type of animal-related chores assigned to youth varies depending on the location, type of animals raised on the farm and the youth’s maturity. A telephone survey given to farm families indicated farm youth were often assigned several chores within each category (above). When comparing farm chores, animal care is the chore most often assigned to youth.
Agricultural Work Activities Reported for Children and Youth on Farms on 498 North American FarmsĬhores related to animal production such as feeding, moving and handling livestock are often some of the first responsibilities given to children on the farm.Īt a very young age, children are often put in situations where they are required to make quick and important decisions about working with, being around, and handling animals that can be uncooperative, large, stubborn or frightened. Telephone survey of parents of farm youth age 7 - 16 According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 17% of all farm injuries involve animals. People often do not view animals and livestock as a source of danger, yet animals cause numerous fatalities and injuries each year. In the process of feeding, handling and transporting animals, humans can be injured if safe behavior is not practiced.Įxposure to animals and livestock on the farm accounts for many youth injuries. Livestock is raised for meat, milk, by-products and leisure activities.
Livestock production is a significant part of American agriculture. Children working because of economic necessity parents wanting to instill a sense of responsibility and work ethic a lack of available child care and the cultural tradition of the farmstead as a playground for children can also contribute to the high incidence of injuries and fatalities. This risk is reflected in the high injury statistics. Children’s characteristics, such as: lack of experience, knowledge, training, strength and body size combined with curiosity and feelings of invincibility, put children at great risk. Animal Health Tic-Tac-Toe/Hollywood SquaresĮDUCATIONAL INFORMATION Animals and Children SAFETY ON THE FARMĪ large number of children are involved in completing relatively hazardous tasks on the farm.