Some dairy farmers are fortunate to have experienced farm help on stand-by to assist them as they turn their attention to spring field work. Other farmers are not quite so lucky. Farm help can be hard to find. Good help that has farm equipment experience is even harder to find.
Many farmers who are already finding themselves short on help on their dairy are now relying on their dairy employees to help with fieldwork. Or they are even looking to the retired neighbor who has some extra time and wants to lend a helping hand, or a high school student who is available to work in the afternoon or on the weekend, or even their own farm kid, who wants to help in a different role. Some of these helpers are probably less likely to be familiar with the farming side of the business, although they are versed on the dairy side of the operation. Reviewing safety tips before you let them head out on their own is highly recommended by experts.
The following five valuable tips are offered by Penn State Extension to aid in keeping inexperienced help safe on the farm:
- Reiterate the importance of safety of your farm.
- Establish two-way communication with all your help. This includes having a conversation beforehand to find out what their skill set includes and what their comfort level is with necessary tasks. If someone is not comfortable, listen to them and provide them with the needed instruction, or find another person to perform that task.
- Review operation procedures for equipment, including how to stop or disengage. Do not assume every operator will have the same ability.
- Prepare routine maintenance on farm equipment, including making sure that guards and shields are in place. Fix your equipment if wear or breakage has made operation of the equipment more challenging.
- Build the confidence and skill of your less experienced helpers by giving tasks that are manageable for that person. Start small with tasks, if needed.
While some farmers are fortunate to have experienced help on stand-by, others might be digging into their current dairy labor pool to find the extra farm help that is needed this time of year. Remember that some helpers may be excited, others may be reluctant. Put yourself in their work boots and review safety protocols to set the tone for safety on the roads, in the fields and on the farm this spring.
