This historic or regional term refers to a seasonal laborer brought on for a set period, typically around harvest or planting. They are paid a fixed rate for the month rather than a daily wage or piece rate. This arrangement secures reliable labor when the farm needs it most without committing to year-round employment.
Heard on the job
We're going to need another month hand if this weather holds and the corn ripens all at once.
Insider tip
Use of this term has largely faded in favor of seasonal worker or seasonal hand, but it still appears in older agricultural records.
Also heard as
- month man