Young Workers

Last updated on July 27th, 2024 at 01:21 pm

AgriSafe seeks to work with youth and young workers performing farm work. The latest data shows that in 2014 an estimated 893,000 youth under 20 years of age resided on farms, with about 454,000 youth performing farm work. In addition to those youth who live on farms, an estimated 266,000 youth were hired to work on US farms in 2014 (NIOSH). According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), every day, injuries account for about 100 agricultural workers suffers a lost-work-time injury.

According to the Department of Labor’s Employers Guide to Young Workers, young agricultural workers are faced with the same hazards as adults. Young workers may perform tasks that are inappropriate for their age. Compared to adults, young workers may lack work experience, physical size and strength, and attention to task. Operating equipment is especially hazardous for young workers. Scientific studies indicate the human brain is not fully developed until 21 or 22 years of age; therefore, logic and decision-making skills may not be fully developed in the younger worker.

AgriSafe offers the Invest in Your Health train the trainer series designed for teachers, Extension staff, 4H and FFA leaders and others who work with young adults.

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Youth Resources

Resource Library

ID	Title	Summary	Link
19901	All About Ag Youth and Vaping	Last updated on July 2nd, 2024 at 02:06 pm episode of Talking Total Farmer Health…	View
24952	ATV and UTV Safety in Agriculture	Last updated on November 18th, 2025 at 03:57 pm episode of Talking Total Farmer Health…	View
12736	Choose Age-Appropriate Tasks for Farm Youth	Last updated on September 7th, 2024 at 04:48 pm Article in Farm Progress by Curt Arens….	View
26257	Farm Mapping and RF-DASH	episode of Talking Total Farmer Health podcast…	View
17431	Farm Safety Tips for Animal Handling	Last updated on January 3rd, 2024 at 01:37 pm episode of Talking Total Farmer Health…	View
25794	First Aid Kit Checklist for Farmers & Ranchers	This two-paged resource lists all the materials reccomended for stocking a first aid kit for farmers and ranchers! Text equivalent of the First Aid Kit Checklist for Farmers & Ranchers…	View
26258	First Responders and Farm Emergencies	episode of Talking Total Farmer Health podcast…	View
9889	Safety Guidelines for Youth Operating Farm Equipment	Last updated on August 25th, 2022 at 12:53 pm This booklet contains work guidelines that parents and supervisors can use to assign age and ability appropriate tasks to youth working…	View
9890	Safety Guidelines for Youth Working in Gardens	Last updated on August 25th, 2022 at 12:56 pm This booklet contains work guidelines that parents and supervisors can use to assign age and ability appropriate tasks to youth working…	View
9891	Safety Guidelines for Youth Working with Animals	Last updated on August 25th, 2022 at 12:56 pm This booklet contains work guidelines that parents and supervisors can use to assign age and ability appropriate tasks to youth working…	View
14679	Total Farmer Health Model	Last updated on April 24th, 2023 at 01:19 pm episode of Talking Total Farmer Health…	View
15037	Youth Mental Health Resources	Last updated on July 27th, 2024 at 01:48 pm This document contains websites and helplines that might be beneficial to youth who are encountering stressors. Text equivalent of “Youth Mental…	View
10348	Youth Safety on the Farm	Last updated on July 29th, 2024 at 08:06 am episode of Talking Total Farmer Health…	View
15039	Youth Stressors and Mental Health	episode of Talking Total Farmer Health	View

Webinars

Webinar Title	Summary	Link
Farm Youth Mental Health: What We Know and How to Help	Last updated on May 12th, 2026 at 12:22 pm Summary: Caring for both the physical and emotional health of our next generation is crucial. From adapting to changes to feeling…	Watch

Websites

• Cultivate Safety

Page updated: August 2022