Success StoryAvoiding Eye damage During the Solar Eclipse



Avoiding Eye damage During the Solar Eclipse

Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson

Planning Unit: Muhlenberg County CES

Major Program: Farm Management

Plan of Work: Planning for the Family and Farm

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The solar eclipse on August 21, 2017 had the potential to affect farmers living near its main line of impact negatively from a transportation standpoint and a worker standpoint. This agent worked with Todd County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources to provide information to all farmers but predominantly tobacco farmers about the timing of the eclipse. One of the major issues was the potential negative consequences of moving wagons on public roadways during the eclipse as well as after the eclipse. Both circumstances could have possibly led to highway accidents as most if not all wagons do not have adequate lighting and the limited speed of the farm vehicles causing more vehicle congestion due to the number of out of town people in our area. Information was provided to the farmers as to when the total eclipse would occur. This allowed farmers to plan their activity so that they or their workers would not be on the highway at that time. The second issue was eye protection for Spanish speaking migrant workers. Agent Judy was able to get NASA information regarding the eclipse and potential eye damage translated to a Spanish language fact sheet. This information along with NASA approved solar eclipse glasses were provided to 90 H2A migrant workers and seven English speaking  workers in Muhlenberg County by this agent. Two tobacco producers utilized  the information provided by this agent to purchase solar eclipse glasses for a combined 26 additional Spanish speaking workers. There were no reports of highway accidents nor eye damage from the solar eclipse in Muhlenberg County. Every tobacco farmer expressed their gratitude for the foresight of their University of Kentucky Extension Service and this agent to provide the information and solar glasses to help keep their workers safe during this historical event.    






Stories by Roger "Darrell" Simpson


Agri-Preneurial Conference enhances Collaboration and Farm Management

about 5 years ago by Roger "Darrell" Simpson

Farm management relies heavily on understanding the costs of production, proper management and utili... Read More


Assessing Freeze Damage to Wheat

about 6 years ago by Roger "Darrell" Simpson

The spring of 2017 appeared to be questionable at best for the winter wheat crop due to two major fr... Read More


Stories by Muhlenberg County CES


Let's Bake Program

Let's Bake Program

about 5 years ago by Mary Beth Riley

It has been stated before that a child is more likely to have a healthier lifestyle the more that th... Read More


Muhlenberg County Sewing Program/ Master Clothing Volunteer Program

Muhlenberg County Sewing Program/ Master Clothing Volunteer Program

about 5 years ago by Mary Beth Riley

It has been stated before that the estimated value of a volunteers time is $24.14 per hour. If you c... Read More


Stories by Farm Management


The Kentucky Ag. Lenders Conference Provides Solid Information in Uncertain Times

about 5 years ago by Steven Musen

The District 4 counties have provided programming for our Ag. lending clientele for a number of year... Read More


Agriculture Efforts

about 5 years ago by Bethany Wilson

Pulaski County is the third largest county by area in Kentucky. It is third in cattle and calf produ... Read More