Labor Study on Virginia Dairy Farms Employing Full Time Workers

Abstract

Data on 376 farms were acquired in 1966 from a direct mail questionnaire containing 31 questions. The dairymen on these farms were on a production testing program and employed one or more full time workers who spent 50% or more of their time with the herd. The average worker was 38.6 years of age, had 6.8 years of schooling and 5.9 years of dairy experience before his last employment. About 80% of the workers were married and had an average of 3.6 children. Reasons why they left dairy farms and where they went f or employment were compiled on 262 workers. The average farm had 69 cows and 1.9 hired workers; 78% had loose housing for herd, 71%, pipeline milkers, 55%, mechanical manure handling, and 32% had mechanical silage feeding. Average starting time was 5:00 am; hours worked per day 9.75; days off per month, three; wages per month $230.48; and benefits per month $81.65. Additional incentives were provided by 37%; annual leave, 63%; and advancement opportunities, 94%. © 1968, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.