For the first time ever, the American Farm Bureau and National Farmers Union are prioritizing rural child care as they share their wants for the Farm Bill.
Ninety-seven percent of farm families say that they are worried about their children being injured on the farm. Seventy-seven percent say that caring for kids impacts how much farm work they can accomplish.
This makes sense given the unconventional work schedule.
It also raises concerns over finding quality childcare, availability, and cost.
In response to these concerns, a group of bipartisan senators has introduced the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023.
