Farming is a way of life for many families, and it often involves the active participation of children and teenagers. While the experience of working on a farm can be invaluable for the development of responsibility, work ethic, and a strong connection to the land, it's essential to prioritize farm safety among youth.
The Tremont Co-op 4-H clubs recently hosted a Farm Safety night for
4-H members, guests, and parents. Nearly 50 individuals were in attendance for the evening. Tazewell County 4-H leader, Kelly Baer, facilitated the planning of this event.
“I’ve been wanting to do something for awhile that teaches and prepares youth about the risks in agriculture and rural living. Not all my 4-H members come from family farms, but they may live next door to an operating farm or visit a farm. I hope these demonstrations help them make safe and informed decisions going forward.”
According to the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, agriculture had the leading number of occupational fatalities across industries for youth age 17 and younger from 2011-2020. Some of the potential dangers in agriculture may include tractors, machinery, chemicals, livestock, and uneven terrain. In order to create awareness of safe practices, the third week of September has been officially recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week.
Kelly connected with the Agricultural & Biological Engineering (ABE) department in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. The ABE department offers a certificate program on industrial & agricultural safety & health. Several professors in the department focus their research on agricultural safety and health. The four presenters from the department facilitated three different booths on agricultural & rural safety. Participants rotated through the topics, including ATV and helmet safety, grain bin safety, and PTO spatial awareness safety.
While youth were the targeted audience for the evening, many of the adults in attendance found the topics enlightening and relevant to their lives. Some of the key safety measures included:
· Education and training.
· Age-appropriate tasks.
· Proper equipment and clothing.
· Emergency preparedness.
In the Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit, there is also an annual Farm Safety day camp held each June. This camp brings in industry specialists and continues to encourage farm safety among our youth. The 2024 Farm Safety day camp will be held in Fulton County.
PHOTO CAPTION
Dr. Sacalah Issa, with the Agricultural & Biological Engineering department in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, presents to a group of Tazewell County 4-H members and guests on the dangers of grain bins and best practices on how to avoid accidents while working in and around them. This was one of three topics recently taught during a 4-H Club Farm Safety Night.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Katharine Girone collaborates with a group of dedicated 4-H volunteers and partners to inspire youth to develop their fullest potential through positive youth development opportunities in Tazewell County. This role gives her the chance to give back to the organization that shaped her into the individual she is today.
Katharine earned her B.S. in Food Science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is working on her M.S. in Agricultural Education (in progress) through University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
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