Logan County has a rich agricultural tradition, boosting production in grain crops, livestock, fruits, and vegetables to name a few. With many kids living and working on the farm, we are dedicated to promoting safe operation and respect of farm equipment at our annual Logan County Progressive Agriculture Safety Day. Throughout the day, 5^th grade students from Russellville Independent and Logan County schools participate in educational sessions and activities to learn about safe practices on farm and at home.

In 2023, we focused on ATV, tractor, animal, electrical, water, fire, mower, firearm, and chemical safety. Local community members including utility companies, school personnel, and first responders are involved in planning and implementing the program. Volunteers from local businesses are instructors at each station. They are experts in their field and are trained educators. As the Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, my responsibility was to educate the participants on pesticide and or chemical safety on the farm and in their homes; focusing on personal protection and label importance.

In 2022, a 4-H and FFA alum had a serious ATV accident. He was able to come speak to the group about his accident. He expressed how what you have done 1,000 times can end differently on any given day. He was not wearing a helmet and had a head injury. He spoke to the youth about the importance of always wearing a helmet.

When asked, what are you going to do to be safer on the farm, ranch or at home, as a result of attending Safety Day, students responded with:

1. “I will wear a helmet”
2. “I will not be outside while my dad is mowing the yard”
3. “I will wear a seatbelt”
4. “I will not drink things from a container without a label”
5. “I will know where to meet my parents if there is a fire”

We had 369 students and 63 volunteers involved in this program. We will never know how many accidents were prevented though our safety day. If we can prevent one injury or save one life, our safety day has been a success.