CA labor laws for goat herders may eliminate vital wildfire prevention in the state.

California’s Red Tape Laws May Harm Goats and the Environment

Changes in state labor requirements for herders may affect both businesses and the environment as wildfire season approaches.

Goat Herders Face New Labor Regulations

Goat herders in California have been reclassified by labor regulators, and this decision may have a significant impact on both businesses and the environment. The new regulations mean that goat herders will no longer be eligible for monthly compensation and will instead receive hourly pay plus required overtime. This change will make it difficult for employers to keep their goat herder business afloat.

Impact on Employers and Wildlife Preservation

The new regulations will increase the hourly rate for farm workers from $15.50 to $14,000, according to the California Farm Bureau. This increase in overtime pay could have a significant effect on wildlife preservation and protection. Goats are used for targeted grazing, a strategy used by California to reduce the risk of wildfires, a natural disaster the state is prone to. During wildfire season, goats are in high demand to devour weeds and shrubs.

Concerns for the Future

One herder is usually in charge of 400 goats, but with an increase in herder pay, employees will maintain fewer herders, and the number of goats available for vegetation control will decrease. This could backfire on the state’s wildfire prevention tactics, especially after a drought-heavy winter and flooding in December 2022 that cost the state $5 million in damages.

Addressing the Issue

While the California Climate and Agriculture Network supports increasing wages for herders, they believe that $14,000 a month is not realistic. Goat-grazing operations need to exist, and the current regulations may make it unaffordable. Employers will have to drastically raise their rates, which will ultimately make goat grazing services unaffordable.

Conclusion

California’s new laws for herders could have unintended consequences for both businesses and the environment. While the state needs to address labor regulations, it’s important to consider the impact on wildlife preservation and protection. Employers and industry leaders need to work together to find a solution that benefits everyone.