Title
D & K Dairy Farm
Subject
Migrant farm workers play a vital role in the dairy industry of Wisconsin, contributing to the state's robust agricultural economy. This discussion delves into the unique challenges faced by these workers, exploring their labor conditions, socio-economic circumstances, and the importance of ensuring their rights and well-being in this critical sector.
Creator
Sarah Nathan
Migrant Voices
Real migrant testimonies revealed that the father wasn’t driving the skid steer. Language barriers complicated testimonies a lot and prevented any direct quotes from being recorded. There was another new migrant worker who may have been responsible. Owners filed a wrongful death lawsuit in favor of the child's father and trial is set to go to court, as of the publication of this article (2019).
Property Type
Dairy Farm
Company Title
D & K
Owner/Sponsor
Daniel and Kay Breunig
Location
Dane County, WI
Product
Dairy
Housing Conditions/ Violations
Workers complained of cow manure and cat feces in places that were supposed to be kept clean, two bedrooms in an apartment above the milking parlor, the barn where cows were milked day and night. The floors vibrated from the motor that powered the loud machinery, while the smell of manure penetrated the apartment they shared with two other workers.
Working Conditions/Violations
Minors working on migrant farms often face hazardous conditions and are exposed to various risks due to their young age and lack of proper safeguards. Tragically, this discussion focuses on a devastating incident in which a child lost their life due to an accident on a farm, shedding light on the urgent need to address the safety and well-being of young workers in the agricultural industry.
Eight year old migrant worker allegedly trampled by his father driving a skid steer (machine used to scoop manure). This was a police report. Because [the boy] was not a worker, the investigator was told, OSHA likely would not investigate. His father brought him here from Nicaragua, desperate to earn money to support his family.
Previously, state officials noted manure on the walls and cows with dirty flanks and udders, signs that the milk was at risk of becoming contaminated.
Eight year old migrant worker allegedly trampled by his father driving a skid steer (machine used to scoop manure). This was a police report. Because [the boy] was not a worker, the investigator was told, OSHA likely would not investigate. His father brought him here from Nicaragua, desperate to earn money to support his family.
Previously, state officials noted manure on the walls and cows with dirty flanks and udders, signs that the milk was at risk of becoming contaminated.
Employer Citations
No known citations issued to farm owners. No one was charged, but the boy's father was blamed.
Health Incidents/Problems
Violations of sanitary standards found during inspection