Objective: Identify factors that influence farmers over age 50 to continue physical farm labor. Method: In 1999, six focus groups were held in Kentucky and Iowa to explore the sustained work of older farmers. Interviews lasted approximately two hours and were either audiotaped or used on-site key phrase entry. Focus groups composition included farm couples (2), males only (2), females only (1) and one intergenerational group. Older farmer participants were over age 50, reported "cutting back" or retired from farming in the past five years. The intergenerational group also included younger farmers engaged in part time or full time farming with their parents. Results: Only farmers with severe physical limitations had completely retired from physical farm labor. Participants first relinquished mental tasks, such as computerized records and design of new farm programs. Tasks involving heavy lifting, climbing, and repetitive motion only ceased when physical limitations precluded their completion without excessive pain. Machinery assisted work, especially tractor driving, continued unless the farmer moved away from the farm. Older farmers were frequently used as reserve labor by the succeeding generation. Factors that influenced continued labor included: liking the work, generational passage of the farm, and physical stamina. Education, income, age, and marital status had little influence. Conclusion: Rather than force retirement upon this aging workforce, emphasis should be placed on developing work styles and work behaviors that foster safe and healthy work environments.
Learning Objectives: Identify three factors that influence farmers over age 50 to continue physical farm labor
Keywords: Aging, Agricultural Work Safety
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Kentucky, College of Medicine
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.