Farming can be a dangerous occupation full of long hours and difficult conditions. Too often, we think we are invincible. There is no way the unimaginable will happen to us.

Farm accidents can happen in an instant and may change farm families forever. All of us must be better and not take safety for granted.

The Missouri Department Agriculture is proud to partner with other state agencies, MU Extension and statewide agriculture groups through the Show-Me Farm Safety Committee. The goal of this group is to reduce injuries and fatalities on farms and ranches by providing education, resources and tips to producers and their families.

You can find resources at farmsafety.mo.gov. The site includes safety information in five industry areas:

1. Farm equipment. Producers use a variety of equipment. Most bring with them a potential danger. Tractor rollovers are one of the most common causes of injury. Use the seat belt on the tractor, particularly if the tractor doesn’t have a cab. Make sure the shield over the PTO shaft is in place. Stay alert when operating this type of equipment as entanglements can happen with lightning speed.

2. Grain. Never enter a grain bin while grain is being loaded or unloaded. Flowing grain has a massive force that can overwhelm a person quickly. The same is true for standing on moving grain, which works like quicksand to bury a person in seconds.

Many farmers are cleaning out grain bins during this time, in anticipation of harvest season. Dangerous gases inside the bin can be harmful. Make sure you open all doors and manholes before working inside. Better yet, wear respiratory protection anytime you work inside a grain storage location.

3. Livestock. Animals play a role in more than 17% of all farm injuries. Their size and weight often make animals more dangerous. Even the gentlest animal can become a problem, especially when put in strange surroundings or circumstances. Be mindful of a mother who just gave birth, as she can be very protective. Take extra precaution during feeding time, as animals often push and shove to get to feed. Always have an escape route when working around livestock.

4. Youth. There is nothing better than raising kids on a farm, where they learn responsibility and the value of hard work. Often, farm kids start farm work at a young age. It is up to you to teach children about safety on the farm. Make sure they know to never walk behind large equipment and to always stay where the driver can see them. Teach them to stay away from chemicals and other potentially toxic substances. Make it a habit to outfit children with a helmet when riding horses or ATVs. Never have a child ride on a tractor fender.

5. Environmental. Environmental safety on the farm is an area we often overlook. It can be as simple as protecting yourself from ticks, mosquitoes and sunburns. Ticks and mosquitoes carry diseases that can affect you for a long time, perhaps even the rest of your life.

Good help on the farm is hard to come by. If you are blessed to have good help on your farm, whether family or hired employees, make sure you are doing everything you can to keep everyone safe. No matter how hectic schedules get, please do not become a farm accident statistic by taking unnecessary risks.

Safeguard your mental health

Perhaps the most important thing we can collectively do in terms of farm safety is to watch out for the emotional well-being of our family members and neighbors. The drought and high input costs are taking a toll on producers of all ages.

One year ago, we launched the AgriStress Helpline, a free number that producers can call or text at any hour of the day or night. This confidential helpline is staffed by people who understand agriculture, including the hardships.

If you, or someone you know, needs to talk to someone about the stresses of farming, call or text 833-897-2474.

Teaching farm safety to youth

In April, the Show-Me Farm Safety Committee joined forces with Purdue University to provide curriculum to Missouri’s educators and youth about safety on the farm for young people.

The “Gearing Up for Safety” curriculum is designed to provide the necessary tools for holding a production agriculture safety training program for youth. There are 15 lessons with notes to help the instructor present the content.

After completing the training, appropriate-aged teenagers can be eligible to be certified for employment operating tractors and some hazardous machinery through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations in Agriculture Order.

Find the full curriculum and information on how to get started at farmsafety.mo.gov.