After World War II, Bracero Program (1942–1964) brought in millions of Mexican laborers to work on American farms.

When the program ended in 1964 due to political pressure, even though American farmers complained that no one could replace the Mexican workers. (foreshadowing)

The government went all in on domestic teen labor to meet agricultural demands.

The U.S. Department of Labor and local state agencies attempted to recruit urban and suburban teenagers to work in rural farms, especially during the summer.

It was promoted as patriotic or character-building.

It failed for many reasons, mainly that the politicians' and their children had never worked in a field.

Teenagers were largely unwilling to endure long hours, low pay, and harsh working conditions in rural fields. Some never showed up. Those that worked would frequently quit almost immediately.

Many teens, particularly from cities or suburbs, had no agricultural background or interest.

The teenagers did not like being transported in uncomfortable un-air-conditioned buses to rural location, with lousy housing.

Farmer found the teen labor unreliable and less productive compared to Mexican workers.

In California’s Central Valley, farmers complained most American teens left within days, overwhelmed by the intensity of fieldwork.

Some newspaper stories from the late '60s described youth workers fleeing jobs after just a few hours.