Extension
It Starts With Us
Producer Safety, Environmental Protection, and Community Engagement
Agriculture Safety & Stewardship
Jonathan Oakes
Chemical Crop Management Tools
Pesticide Safety – Plant Pests
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Citizens are concerned about the health and well-being of their families. Spending habits of families has shifted to entertainment at home rather than taking family vacations due to travel expenses. Some purchases include ATV’s and other vehicles. Farmers are expanding crop acreages and working long hours to get planting and harvesting completed on schedule. Fatigue is a leading cause for farming accidents. In fact, the incidence of farm accidents increases after 4:00 PM when many part-time farmers are going into the fields.
Farm families, workers and their environment are at risk of injury from food-borne illness, pesticide exposure and environmental contamination. Agriculture is the second most dangerous occupation in Kentucky where we have high rates of ATV fatalities and tractor overturns.
The average age of farmers increases each year. With less young people returning to the farm, older farmers are doing more and more of the work at an older age.
Have agriculture production noted as a low-risk occupation for injury or illness associated with production practices. Reduce hazards to environment related to farming operations. A better understanding of the environmental stewardship and proper safety procedures in the garden or the field.
Private applicators experience no incidence of poisoning or environmental contamination.
No reports of food borne illness from fresh produce.
No ATV injuries involving children.
Adult farmers have less on-farm accidents.
Provide programs for safe farming practices and create an awareness to protect workers and the environment by use of safe, environmental friendly farming practices. Increase youth awareness of safety procedures related to the farm and vehicle maintenance. Producers know when to spray for what they are targeting and how to properly do so.
Initial Outcome: Pass a 50 question Private Pesticide Applicator Tests
Indicator: Number of correct answers.
Method: Pre-test/Post Test
Timeline: Yearly
Intermediate Outcome: Youth practice safety procedures and environmental stewardship
Indicator: Accident and environmental measurements
Method: Observation, verbal and written surveys
Timeline: Late Fall
Long-term Outcome: Producers, elected officials, and youth know how to prepare for a disaster.
Indicator:Preparedness level prior to, during, & following a disaster.
Method: Observation, verbal, and written evaluations
Timeline: Yearly
Audience: 3rd Graders
Project or Activity: Farm Safety Day
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Inputs:
Date: Fall
Audience: Farmers’ Market Vendors & Commercial Vegetable growers
Project or Activity:Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training
Content or Curriculum: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training Materials
Inputs: As Needed
Date:
Audience: Tobacco Producers
Project or Activity: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training
Content or Curriculum: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training Materials
Inputs:
Date: As Needed
Main Audience: Commercial Farmers
Activity: Pesticide Training
Content or Curriculum: Pesticide Training Materials
Date: As Needed
Main Audience: Business Members
Activity: Ag Advancement Council
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Date: Every Other Month (odd months)
Main Audience: Producers & Leaders
Activity: ANR Program Council
Content or Curriculum: Programming Ideas
Date: Spring & Fall
Main Audience: Agri-tourism Businesses
Activity: Legality Training
Content or Curriculum: Insurance needs, contracts, etc.
Date: As Needed
Main Audience: New Beginning Farmers
Activity: Agriculture 101
Content or Curriculum: Soil Testing, Resource Management, Cost-Share Opportunities, etc.
Date: As Needed
Main Audience: Adult Farmers
Activity: Adult Farmer Safety Training
Content: Various Topics
Date: Spring or Fall
Author: Jonathan Oakes
Major Program: ANR Biotechnology
The Russell County landscape is home to an assortment of terrains. The county is home to large amounts of farmland, woodlands, streams, rivers and a large lake. Russell County Extension Office held its annual Progressive Farm Safety Day in conjunction with the Progressive Ag Foundation and hosted approximately 200, 3rd grade students from the county. The farm safety day was also attended by approximately 40 teachers, and community volunteers to help make the day a success.This
