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I know you’re thinking this might be another repetitive article about basic, common sense information. But it’s that very mindset that increases the likelihood of farming accidents. Most accidents happen in the peak of the season when everyone is tired from the long days and little down time. Optimal weather conditions and daylight hours seem to be at a minimum and the time to get the year’s crop out shrinks as the year comes to a close. 

 

This issue is personal for me because I lost my grandfather in a combining accident this past December and it has forever changed the way I look at that piece of equipment. I used to only see the amazing ability to harvest crops, and today I see that and how dangerous it can also be in the blink of an eye. 

I have the comfort of knowing my grandfather passed doing what he enjoyed and I have the ability to say what he would have wanted to say today. Slow down, watch your surroundings, ask for help and enjoy agriculture. 

 

September 20-26th is the 2020 National Farm Safety & Health Week. This week dedicates 168 hours to promoting farm safety, which leaves the rest of our lives to practice safety and return home each day. The United States has a lot of industry sectors and based off the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2018 report, the agriculture sector is still the most dangerous with nearly 574 fatalities each year. The next time you get in a hurry please consider these tips:

 

 

Harvest is a fun time of year, where you can see what hybrids/varieties did well, what trials outperformed others, and where your hard work paid off and farm income was made. Don’t get complacent and think that every day is going to have the same result and stay alert. Have a great fall and most importantly, stay safe.