Episode 35: Avoiding Discrimination in Hiring and Firing on the Farm

Farm Commons

In this episode, we explore a hard topic in employment law — discrimination in hiring and firing on the farm. While many farmers would never consider their employment processes discriminatory, the truth is that legal discrimination can creep in on even the most well intentioned farms. This is because there are personal characteristics, such as age, health, race, ethnic identity, sex and gender related conditions, that are protected by law and if an employment decision is made on the basis of those characteristics, even if indirectly, there is the potential for a legal claim of discrimination. Tune in to learn how to avoid “accidental” discrimination in employment law on your farm so that you can manage your workforce with confidence.

Resources mentioned:

• Avoiding Discrimination in Employment for Farm and Ranch Businesses:
  • The Federal Guide for farmers and ranchers in the U.S.
  • For farmers and ranchers in Wisconsin
  • For farmers and ranchers in Minnesota