Hot Pursuit-Steele County Times

As I headed to Missouri over the weekend, it became apparent that the crops are looking pretty robust this fall. I noticed a few combines in the fields harvesting in Iowa and that tells me it won’t be long for Minnesota farmers.
With the looming harvest comes a plea for farm safety. I know it’s a message that is often covered year after year, but it bears repeating. The last thing I want to do is report on a serious injury or fatality related to farming.
Despite the popular image of fresh air and peaceful surroundings, a farm is not a hazard-free work setting. Every year thousands of farm workers are injured and hundreds more die in farming accidents. The National Safety Council reports that agriculture is the most hazardous industry in the nation.
The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor indicates that in 2013, farming accounted for 500 fatalities, or 23.2 deaths per 100,000 workers. Farm groups around the country are working to drastically lower that number. 
Since 1944, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week. This year’s theme is “Ag Safety: it’s not just a slogan… it’s a lifestyle.”
A number of years ago I lost a cousin in a farm accident on his family’s farm. At only 13 years old, my cousin was eager to be a farmer. He wanted nothing more than to work the land and farm, but sadly his life was cut way too short. 
Farming is a great profession, but it has its obvious inherent dangers. Most farm accidents involve machinery. Proper machine guarding and doing equipment maintenance can help prevent accidents. Using protective equipment and personal protective equipment can significantly reduce farming injuries.
Most farmers know what it takes to be safe on the farm, but too often, patience and yes, even our own egos, get in the way of working smart and safe. As farmers head into the fields over the next few weeks, I urge them to keep safety in the front of their minds. We need to work together to eliminate the thinking and habits that lead to accidents.
From being alert on rural roadways to ensuring the safety of children, farm families know ag safety amounts to much more than lip service. It’s a life and death matter. 
Farm safety doesn’t just pertain to farmers. It’s all of us who drive motor vehicles around farm equipment on rural roads. 
Harvest season is upon us and let’s all join together to go in hot pursuit of practicing farm safety. Best wishes for a safe and prosperous harvest.