A few weeks ago, a longtime neighbor of ours here in central Illinois died in a farming accident.

His death was a reminder to all of us was of how careful we need to be on the farm, or around farm equipment on the roads.

With harvest underway, and as we observe National Farm Safety and Health Week, we all need to remember how easy it can be to get hurt, or even killed, on the farm.

Last year, working with the National Grain and Feed Foundation, NCGA released a video about grain bin safety. You can view it here.

But grain bin safety is only part of the picture. With combines and other farm equipment growing in size, with more distractions like texting and social media, it’s important for all people around the farm — including drivers on rural roadways — to be more alert, with both eyes and ears paying attention to what’s happening around you.

In every part of the farm, whether they’re in the shop with power tools, preparing and using chemicals, fueling equipment, behind the wheel of a combine or tractor, or working at the grain bin, farmers need to focus on safety.

I urge all my fellow farmers to get the facts and stay safe. You can download a lot of information by clicking here, to get resources from the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety.

Just as I lost a neighbor recently, I’m sure many of you have stories of loved ones, friends and neighbors injured or killed on the farm. Let’s think of them, and be careful out there.