Farm Safety

It’s not often thought of by the majority of the population as a hazardous occupation but farming can be very dangerous indeed. When you stop to consider that farmers and ranchers work with large and extremely powerful equipment and livestock on a daily basis then it isn’t surprising at all. Modern farm machinery can operate at amazingly high speeds and that means less reaction time for the farmer. And if you’ve ever been around an amorous bull or caught between a large sow and a hard place then you know first hand that not all farm animals are created equal. Sadly, according to the Census of Agriculture, there are more than 300 farm accidents involving young people that result in fatalities each year. Safety on the farm should be first and foremost and fortunately there are farm safety courses through various county extensions where students can learn first hand the basics of handling and operating farm equipment. Farming is one of the most rewarding of careers, and with the proper precautions and training, it can be a much safer career as well.