Author: Kara Back-Campbell
Planning Unit: Taylor County CES
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Plan of Work: Commercial and Homeowner Horticulture Education
Outcome: Initial Outcome
The Taylor County Extension Office partnered with two local producers to provide agriculture education to the residents of Taylor County. The primary focus of this years Family Farm Field day was agriculture safety, along with showcasing the producers' operations. This was chosen as the theme, because everyday about 100 agriculture workers suffer a lost-work-time injury, and in 2016, 417 fatalities occurred according to the CDC.
Extension agents, local first responders, RECC, the MS4 Coordinator, and the producers themselves from both farms, provided education that enlightened participants in agriculture and the safety precautions which should be taken when on the farm.
The participants of this field day were from all walks of life. Some were farmers themselves, while others had never been on a farm. One of the two farms where the field day was held was a grain and cattle farm. The other, for the first time, was an Amish produce farm. Other participants in the field day included the generous businesses of Taylor County who sponsored the event either by monetary donations, or items for door prizes. The local MS4 Coordinator and the NRCS office donated rain barrels and kits as door prizes during their presentation as well.
Both participants and producers enjoyed the evening filled with education, fun, and fellowship. Individuals were impressed by the safety education they received from the evening's speakers, along with both of the producers' operations. The produce farm producer stated, "I thought it went really well. I enjoyed it." His feelings were shared by many others. Similar statements were repeated many times after the filed day.
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