STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann
UNL Extension Educator

                               
      It is that time of year! Husker Harvest Days always gets me in the harvest mood. From the very first time I took ag education students to this event many years ago, and up though today when the only person I am responsible for is me, I have looked forward to this event. I don’t mind walking the miles you put on, or the many stops talking to old friends, relatives, peers, and vendors. I like keeping up with what is going on in the agriculture world. I will also admit that I really enjoy going on what has commonly been called “FFA Day”, which is typically on Wednesday, and judging by the sheer number of young people in FFA shirts – it still is.  I love seeing those young people taking in what this major ag event brings to them.  I always maintained that it was the best Ag Career Day that I could give those kids and I haven’t changed my mind since. It must have been valid as there are certainly plenty of people now working at HHD that are FFA alumni!
     I had several students, over the years that I taught, tell me that they learned more in one day than what they learned in a week or even two in the classroom.  I hope that was not an indictment on my teaching skills, but more a valid report on why I felt strongly about getting the kids there and giving them the opportunity for hands-on experiences and to just see what was around them.  Oh yes I know, it was also a good time to pick up some seed corn hats, pens and pencils, and of course - literature on cars, pickups, four wheelers and ATV’s; but they also brought home material that we used in class and perhaps helped influence their dad or maybe grandpa on production practices. And so many of them had the opportunity to dream, to imagine themselves on their own new tractor or combine or perhaps owning their own herd of cows. Now they go there as adults, looking for an upgrade or perhaps a good deal. Still picking up those freebies and still dreaming!!
     National Farm Safety & Health Week: Harvest time also brings something else – a need for safety on and off the farm! Each year since 1944, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety & Health Week. This recognition has been an annual promotion initiated by the National Safety Council and has been proclaimed as such by each sitting U.S. President since Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the first document.  This year’s National Farm Safety and Health Week has been declared for September 15-21, 2013.  I think it is important that we take a few moments to think about safety as we get closer to harvest and the time that we bring our cattle home from pasture.
     The 2013 theme is “Working Together for Safety in Agriculture”.  It is everyone’s responsibility for safety both on the farm and the rural roadways of America. The new data shows the agricultural sector is still the most dangerous in America with 475 fatalities, which equals 21.2 deaths per 100,000 workers. It may interest you that agriculture is more than seven times as hazardous as most other U.S. industries.  Unfortunately the death rate resulting from accidents on the farm or ranch was 3.2% of all deaths when you compare it to the deaths occurring in a combination of all industries. The good news is that maybe we are getting better, or are getting luckier, as I believe there were almost 600 deaths and 70,000 disabling injuries attributed to agriculture in 2010, less than three years ago. The statistics are sobering. But even more tragic is that these incidents could have been prevented if simple safety precautions had been followed. 
     As we recognize National Farm Safety & Health Week this week, please join me in promoting safe and healthy practices on our farms and ranches across the U.S. as producers enter the busy and dangerous harvest season. Harvest season can be particularly dangerous for farmers with long hours and stress of weather delays, equipment breakdowns or high operating costs, and this year’s activities will reinforce the importance of working together to ensure farmers make it home safely to their families at night. Farmers are notorious for their work ethic and determination, both qualities that also can be a detriment when it comes to safety.  We encourage farmers to not only be aware but find ways that they can reduce the risk of injury to themselves, their families and their employees, but it not just the farmer – it is all of us!
     Here are some safety reminders for the coming harvest: Put fire extinguisher in every tractor, combine, and truck and make sure they are charged; Grease and check bearings to prevent sparks/fires; Remove dust and debris from radiator screens and other spots with high heat or air intake; Do not walk on grain in combine bins, auger carts, or trucks; Farmers with large machinery use hazards and turn signals when driving down roads and move over for cars to pass whenever possible; Cars – do not pass going up hills or at intersections (semis and trailers make wide turns) Be Patient!; Be cautious on narrow bridges or roads with guardrails – large machinery will take up both lanes; Do not pull out in front of trucks – heavy loads take much longer to get slowed down; Be extra cautious at unmarked intersections – Always Yield!
     Whether you are a farmer/rancher, an equipment dealer, veterinarian, or hired hand - everyone plays a role in promoting safety. Think of it like cogs in a machine; alone each cog is just one small part of a system, but together, it makes a system work. Farmers and ranchers and all of those that work in agriculture, need to set some priorities to reduce the risk of injury to their self, their family, and their employees. Farmers put in many hours and accomplish difficult tasks.  They operate heavy machinery, handle livestock, and work under hazardous conditions. Thank you to all of our farmers, ranchers, farm workers and their families, and all of our partners for working together to reduce the number of deaths, injuries, and health issues. And to all of our farmers who will be harvesting their crops, hauling grain to market, or working their livestock – Please make safety a priority.  Make your harvest a safe one. We don’t want to lose you or anyone else!

The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu or go to the website at: http://www.webster.unl.edu/home