Every day, nearly 250 U.S. agriculture workers suffer serious injury or death - with main contributors being lack of training, fatigue and rushing - making agriculture one of the most dangerous occupations in America. Understanding the importance education plays in protecting our farmers and ranch workers, Agricenter International created its Farm Safe program to advocate about the occupational dangers of farming and ranching to provide critical resources to promote a safer working environment.

Agriculture is an inherently dangerous occupation and there is a void nationwide with regard to farm and ranch safety training. In 2018, the Department of Labor found that 574 farmers died from work-related injuries. Transportation incidents, including tractor overturns, were the leading cause of death for farmers and ranch workers. By offering training in farm and ranch safety, Agricenter hopes to reduce that number to zero.

Launched in 2020, Farm Safe offers free courses covering ATV, tractor operation, tractor maintenance and general farm and ranch safety. Instructor led courses are also available for large groups. Through 2021, new training modules will continue to be added on harvest safety topics. 

“Farm owners and workers are frequently exposed to danger every day in their field of work, including machinery operation accidents, grain bin entrapments, pesticide exposure and other environmental and biological hazards,” said John Butler, president of Agricenter International. “As a leader in ag research, education, advocacy and outreach, we’re proud to provide the resources necessary to bring awareness and education of farm safety to those involved in the agriculture industry.”

The Farm Safe online training program is available for anyone in the agriculture industry in Tennessee and can be viewed in both English and Spanish. To learn more about the program, and register to complete Farm Safe training, visit: www.farmsafeeveryday.com.