The National Consumers League (NCL) has released a list of the most dangerous summer jobs for teenagers. High on the list were jobs around the farm or ranch.

In fact, jobs in agriculture took the top two spots—tobacco harvester and harvesting other crops and using machinery. The press release added details, including: driving forklifts, tractors, and other potentially dangerous vehicles; use of dangerous machinery (no specifics); use of chemicals; and working in grain storage facilities.

70 photos show ranchers hard at work on the farm
Readers have submitted photos of hard-working ranchers caring for their livestock and being stewards of the land. See reader favorite  photos here.

I will not quibble with any of those. A lot of jobs on a farm offer varying degrees of hazard. Agricultural production requires the use of sharp objects, heavy implements, and belt- or chain-driven devices.  Large animals pose risks. Ag chemicals, too, demand the utmost precaution for anyone, of any age.

Click here to read more of Smith’s observations.

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