With equipment big and small scattered throughout the farm, it might be surprising to know one of the largest contributing factors to farmers’ safety.  

 “Sometimes our biggest hazards are ourselves,” said Tom Frisch, chair of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC). “We’re in a hurry and rush things on top of probably not getting enough sleep.” 

That’s why soy checkoff is utilizing National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 15-21, to remind growers to slow down and use caution as we head into harvest.  

“Take an extra minute or two to make sure things are getting hooked up correctly and the right steps are being taken, otherwise it could cost you a lot more,” Frisch said.  

According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, a farmer is 800% more likely to die while working than people in any other profession, with the leading cause of death being tractor rollovers. In 2022, 417 people were killed in farming-related accidents across the U.S. 

“The most important thing at the end of the day is that we come home to our families,” said Frisch, who farms near Dumont. “We need to stay safe and healthy for them.”  

During harvest, the farm often becomes a place for the future farmhands to see the operation at work and for District 9 Council Director Ben Storm, he continues to harp the message of farm safety to his four kids.  

“Whenever there is equipment moving, they need to stay away. We remind them of that all the time,” said Storm, who farms near Dover. “Last year we got them reflective vests to make them more visible and they loved them. They wore them every day!”  

And farmers need to do their part in staying visible as well, specifically when moving from field to field. 

“Make sure your flashing lights are working and that you have them on anytime you are on the highway,” Storm said. “For everyone else, be patient with our slow-moving equipment and trucks.” 

The overall theme for this year’s National Farm Safety and Health Week is: “Don’t learn safety by accident,” or in other words: Don’t learn it the hard way.  

For more information about National Farm Safety and Health week, visit https://www.necasag.org/nationalfarmsafetyandhealthweek/