It looks like the thousands of comments opposing the Department of Labors’ (DOL) proposed child labor revisions regarding agriculture has worked.  I summarized the proposed changes in my November 17 blog: Child-labor and Agriculture: Proposed rules restrict youths’ access to agricultural jobs.  Today the DOL issued a statement that the proposals were withdrawn and would not “be pursued for the duration of the Obama administration.”

The last part of the statement indicates that the withdraw may have been some “politican” on the president’s part to please the agriculture lobby and constituents.  Whatever the purpose, the DOL’s decision will be celebrated by rural families across the country who were worried that the proposed regulations would limit and prevent the next generation from acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to run and operate a farm or ranch.

The DOL has decided the more practical approach for ensuring safety on the farm and ranch was through educational programs and safety promotions rather than an unpopular ban.  Farmers and ranchers are relieved that the regulatory agency has taken into consideration the thoughts and desires of the people regulated.