The Shadow
RICHMOND—Nearly a decade ago, a groundbreaking study examined a persisting crisis on family farms—one threatening prosperity and child safety.
University of Vermont researchers Emily Stengel and Shoshanah Inwood surveyed 186 farm families from various states. A majority echoed challenges with child care availability, affordability and quality, all of which influenced their farm business decisions, families’ well-being, and their farms’ success.
A recent ReadyNation report found the child care crisis’ impact on families, businesses and taxpayers has more than doubled since 2018—costing the U.S. economy an estimated $122 billion a year. ReadyNation is a network of more than 2,000 business executives who promote public policies and programs that build a stronger workforce and economy.
Virginia’s economy loses $3.1 billion annually due to child care challenges, according to the First Five Years Fund, an organization that works to ensure families have affordable access to quality child care and early learning programs for their children.
Surrounded by relatives on their Amelia County dairy farm, Ginny and Brandon Moyer count their blessings as others scramble for help. The nearest child care center is 20 minutes away, and finding a central place for their infant, toddler and 7-year-old is practically impossible—especially while juggling erratic farming hours.
The FFYF estimates in Virginia there is a 10% gap in the supply of child care versus potential need.
“If you don’t have family support nearby and you’re both working on the farm, it would be really hard to afford child care—especially for those just starting out who are having to put a majority of their time and money into their farm,” Ginny said.
In Amelia, paying for center-based child care for an infant, toddler and school-age child would cost over $23,000 annually, according to the National Database of Childcare Prices.
And high rates of provider turnover raise quality concerns. Virginia providers earn just $29,490 a year on average, resulting in staffing challenges, the FFYF reports.
While Ginny transitioned to remote work, Brandon cut back on his farming hours and hired an extra employee. And with robotic milkers installed, he can now start his workdays after getting the kids ready for school and day care.
Frederick County farmer Kayla Lawrence transformed her family’s fruit market into a family sanctuary. She incorporated a playground and a play area, complete with farm animals, toys, mini shopping carts and a toy cash register—all inspired by her own needs as a full-time farming parent.
While she’s blessed with family help, bringing her children to work is often necessary. Lawrence’s parents have other responsibilities—resulting in an ever-rotating child care schedule, adjusted work hours and some growing pains at the market.
The Moyers recommend writing out family goals, assigning household roles and allowing time for vacations.
Matt Nuckols, chair of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Farm Safety Advisory Committee, urges parents to educate children about farm hazards, including safe places to be when farm equipment is around; places on the farm to avoid due to machinery, equipment or chemical hazards; and who to contact if an accident happens.
Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom offers a farm safety activity book for children at Virginia.AgClassroom.org. For a suite of youth farm safety webinars, visit AgriSafe.org.
See the full story in April’s Virginia Farm Bureau News magazine at issuu.com/virginiafarmbureau.
