Farm can be a dangerous place

Agriculture is the nation's most dangerous industry. An average of 113 youth, younger than 20 years of age, died on farms in the United States from 1995-2002. In 2009, more than 16,000 children were injured on the farm. The farm can be a great place to raise kids, but it can also be a dangerous one.

As a Farm Credit Services of America outreach coordinator, I travel the state of Iowa teaching farm safety to youth and their families. Farm Credit Services of America has partnered with Farm Safety For Just Kids to educate youth in Iowa about potential hazards on the farm. Topics that are covered include ATV, lawn mower, grain, livestock/animal and chemical safety.

Thanks to Farm Credit Services of America, I am able to do these demonstrations absolutely free. My job is to spread the farm safety message in the hopes of keeping kids safe on the farm.

Whether you are a member of the farming community or not, I urge you to take a few moments to educate yourself and your children on common hazards that are found in our daily lives, these moments may save the life of someone you know.

If you would like me to address farm safety with your classroom, organization or at an upcoming event, call me at (319) 430-6192 or by email at mschaf@iastate.edu.

Morgan Schafbuch

Ames