Farm safety, especially for children, is one of the most important issues facing farm families today. Each year in the United States, approximately 100 children under the age of 20 die of agricultural injuries on U.S. farms and ranches, and over 22,000 children are injured in farm-related accidents. Though these statistics vary, they always remain above acceptable rates.
Agriculture Transportation Handbook
The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation, in cooperation with the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Commercial Vehicle Inspectors, Minnesota State Patrol and Federal Highway Department, developed an Agriculture Transportation Handbook, printed in August 2012.
The book is updated with state and federal statutes, rules and exemptions for transporting agriculture goods on highways. Copies of the handbook are available free of charge through the MFB Foundation. For your copy of this transportation handbook, contact Pam Dahlman at 651-768-2117 or info@fbmn.org
Click
here for a PDF version of the Agriculture Transportation Handbook.
Keys to a Successful Safety Program
Safety- Must be of primary concern while planning the program and using the farm safety trailer.
- Selecting a safety committee and coordinator is strongly recommended.
Goals and Objectives
- Must be tailored to reflect identified local needs.
- Should be distributed to appropriate camp volunteers and reinforced throughout the program.
Community Involvement
- Involve local community members in planning and securing resources for the event.
- Recruit volunteers who have enthusiasm and dedication.
- Ask a variety of people to help farmers, young adults (16-18 years), veterinarians and other agribusiness professionals.
Adequate Planning and Organizing
- Allow approximately four to five months to plan your event.
- Tips to help you organize the program are available from the Minnesota Farm Bureau 651-768-2117.
Fun Age-Appropriate Sessions
- Include fun, hands-on activities. The exhibits available allow for interaction.
- Schedule short classes - 15-20 minutes.
- Divide campers into groups of no more than 10-15 per class.
- Make sure instructors are teaching age-appropriate material.
Resources for Safety Programs
Visit Farm Safety 4 Just Kids for more safety activities. Farm Safety 4 Just Kids provides resources and training to individuals and communities to conduct farm safety awareness and education programs.
Safety Sponsorship Opportunities
County Farm Bureaus are encouraged to work with local organizations and businesses when sponsoring a farm safety event such as fire and police departments, emergency medical technicians, veterinarians, electrical companies, implement dealers and more. Many local businesses are also usually interested in sponsoring this type of event.
Farm Safety Trailer
To use a farm safety trailer, contact one of the following:
West Otter Tail County Farm Bureau
Contact: Bruce and Kim Brenden
218-867-2410 (home)
218-731-6559 (cell)
kbrenden@hotmail.com
Blue Earth, LeSueur, Martin, McLeod, Nicollet, Sibley and Watonwan County Farm Bureaus
Contact: Megan Nelson
507-261-6512
fbsafetytrailer@gmail.com
If you have questions on utilizing the safety learning modules, please contact the individuals listed above.
