HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Buffington, R. E. Articles by Reaves, P. M. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Buffington, R. E. Articles by Reaves, P. M.

Labor Study on Virginia Dairy Farms Employing Full Time Workers¹

Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg

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%.

¹ Supported in part by the Dairy Foundation of Virginia.