It's National Farm Safety Week

     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. Join with all of us who are concerned about the safety of our farmers, ranchers and everyone that is involved in agriculture production in observing this important event, which this year is September 20-26. This time makes perfect sense as it heralds the traditionally most dangerous time in agricultural communities – harvest. We should not only pray for the safety of all involved but utilize observations like this to solidify our support of our farmers and all of those involved in agriculture as we harvest the bounty of our work. To help ensure a safe harvest, stay alert for dangerous situations, exercise caution, and always put safety first.

    Please join Nebraska Extension in promoting safe and healthy practices on our farms and ranches across the U.S. and in our neighboring countries as producers enter the harvest season. As our area farmers start, continue and complete harvest this fall we should keep this in mind. From being alert on rural roadways to ensuring the safety of children, farm families know that agricultural safety amounts to much more than lip service. It’s a life and death matter. This year’s National Farm Safety & Health Week slogan reinforces that mindset. This year’s theme centers on “Ag Safety is not just a slogan, it’s a lifestyle.” Which reminds local and rural communities that agriculture represent one of the most dangerous occupations in the US. Farm injuries and fatalities are preventable through education. The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor indicates that in the most recent study done in 2013, farming accounted for 500 fatalities, or 23.2 deaths per 100,000 workers. That should resonate with all of us.   

      Following traditions of many other administrations, the White House released a proclamation that all of us should hearken to. It is as follows: “Since the days of our Revolution when farmers across the Colonies took up arms in defense of our country, America's farmers and ranchers have played a critical role in shaping our progress and forging a better future for coming generations.  Through centuries of hard work, they have supplied our Nation with products and services essential to the economic and physical well-being of our society.  This week, we recognize all those serving on our farms, and we recommit to safeguarding their health and livelihoods.”

     “Farmers and ranchers make tremendous contributions to the way of life our ancestors fought to establish, yet they face considerable hazards in the course of their daily responsibilities.  To protect the safety of those working on America's farms, we must take steps to guarantee they have the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to mitigate and reduce risks to themselves and their families.  From handling hazardous chemicals and machinery to working in potentially dangerous areas such as silos or grain elevators, our Nation's farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers should be able to secure the prosperity of their land, their loved ones, and their country without sacrificing their own.”

     “Each year, thousands of people are injured on farms and ranches in America, and we need to remain committed to pursuing pragmatic, responsible solutions to prevent these tragedies from occurring. Across our country, those who work on farms bolster our economy and nourish our people by providing what we need at a most human level, helping to uphold America's founding creed:  Out of many, we are one.  This week, let us recognize the steadfast dedication and commitment of agricultural producers and their families, and let us reaffirm our resolve to promote their health and safety. We also urge Americans to honor our agricultural heritage and express appreciation to our farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers for their contributions to our Nation.”