By Andi Anderson
As federal lawmakers renew discussions on raising the minimum wage, Ohio farm employers must revisit their obligations under federal and state laws. Though many agricultural jobs qualify for exemptions, diversifying farm operations adds complexity.
The Higher Wages for American Workers Act, introduced in 2025, proposes raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, up from the current $7.25.
While most Ohio farmworkers are exempt from this federal rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), those exemptions depend on specific factors.
Key Federal Exemptions include:
- Small Farm Exemption: Less than 500 man-days of labor in any quarter of the previous year.
- Family Member Exemption: Applies to immediate family (e.g., spouse, child).
- Hand-Harvest Laborers: Seasonal, piece-rate workers commuting daily.
- Youth Workers: Age 16 or younger, working on family farms.
- Range Livestock Production: Employees working in open-range livestock operations.
A man-day is any day a worker performs one hour of labor. Exemptions only apply when all workers across a farm’s operations are considered, and thresholds are not met.
State law in Ohio generally aligns with these federal exemptions. However, Ohio’s state minimum wage is higher than the federal rate, meaning that non-exempt workers must receive the higher pay.
Not all workers qualify for exemptions. Employees working in agritourism (e.g., farm stores, corn mazes, events) or in value-added roles (e.g., food processing) are not considered agricultural workers under law. These roles require full wage and hour protections, including minimum wage and overtime.
Conclusion:
As farms expand into non-traditional business areas, they must ensure all worker roles are correctly classified. Reviewing current labor practices and exemptions helps avoid legal issues and ensures compliance under both federal and Ohio law.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle