farm hands

[linnettejane]

we are thinking about getting us a farm hand....we have an extra house that is sitting empty, my husband and i both work full time jobs, and we just haven't been able to go as far as we would like to go with our farm (we bought it 5 years ago, hadn't been farmed in 20 years)....anyway....just wondering how other people handle this type of situation, as far as liability goes, etc......or any other words of advice....

 

[knabe]

treat it like a business, as it is one, and see the relevant people, tax attorney, insurance, etc.  a hired had is an employee and needs to pay social security, unemployment, and other things, as does the employer.  perhaps contact one of those companies that do your accounting for small business.  things have changed regarding liability, safety, inspections, especially if applying herbicides, pesticides etc.  compare the hassle of hiring someone versus hiring a company to do specific things and they cover the above listed expenses through charging you more per hour than a hired hand.

 

[JbarL]

for sure an accountant and an attorney will give you much information that you probally havnt considered....what is working best for me  is bartering, and limited partnership.  there is ample considerations on a schedule f for barter....use it....the limited partnership/ barter labor  is working for us as he now has facalities to persue his  livestock interests as well, and liability issues now are shared.  your going to hurt yourself on a farm. anything from torn up barb wire hands, achin backs...twisted ankles and even broken bones...it simply happens...if you are considering anything but experienced ( mature) help, you may be in for morre than a few setbacks....there almost has to be a win/ win sceniero reguardless of the money....if you pay peanuts....expect mokeys......if you can find someone who sharres your alls interests as well as filling a labor void, thats as good as it gets...proximity is going to yoiur first hurdle......finding  the right person is one thing....them driving 80/100 miles a week carries a pretty hefty monthly obligation finacially, so your going to be  limited right off the bat....so for sure your empty house is by far your best barter agent.....and the farm facalities to allow your help to supply his own needs as well  ie... cows,pigs,rabbits, goats, chickens, firewood, and even  the ability to have there own garden is getting near the win/win sceniero that i think your looking for.......the best of luck to you all  ....    jbarl