Connie’s Comments by Connie Strunk, Turner County Extension Educator—Agronomy, September 25, 2009

            Grain harvest is exciting because of all the activity going on with the tractors and wagons, trucks, augers, and combines.  But with this excitement also comes danger.  SDSU Extension Farm Machinery and Safety Specialist Dick Nicolai said, “When it’s harvest time, the pressure is on.”  “Good weather and daylight hours always seem to be at a premium during harvest season.  The most severe farm tragedies often involve machinery.  Missing guards and shields, failure to recognize hazards, and careless operation are common factors in a majority of farm equipment-related injuries.”

            Planned maintenance and skilled equipment operation can minimize downtime and reduce potential for mishaps during harvest.  Here are a few tips that will help make your harvest season a safe one for the entire family:

• Carry out preseason maintenance and repair several weeks before harvest.

• All guards and shields should be secured before equipment is started.

• Turn equipment power off to clear plugged equipment.

• Wear comfortable close-fitting clothing and protective shoes.

• Avoid fatigue, sleep deprivation, and extreme physical exhaustion.

• Always let someone else know where you are while working around equipment.

• Be aware of others who are working around machinery.

• Keep small children from playing around machinery.

• Keep children off grain transportation equipment.

            As we draw nearer to harvest please remember to practice safe farming practices.  Flowing grain is dangerous whether it is in a wagon or truck box as it can quickly pull a person down (like quicksand) and then suffocate them.  You should never go into a bin when the grain gets stuck or hung-up when unloading.  Grain bins that have had some grain taken out are very dangerous, especially when the surface is still flat because there could be a hollow cavity under the surface and the grain will collapse when you step on it, instantly pulling you under.  Stay out of flowing and motionless grain at all times but if you must go inside, make sure you let someone know where you are and what you are doing in case something goes wrong.       

            Other ways that you can implement and practice safe farming practices include: installing safety guards and retrofits on farm machinery, following safety recommendations for storage and use of farm chemicals, not allowing extra riders on farm and lawn care equipment, and using proper livestock restraint systems for treatment and check-up.

            When the time comes I hope everyone will have a safe and bountiful harvest.  I hope everyone (farmers, ranchers, producers, and youth) treats each day as farm safety day and are constantly looking at ways to improve the safety features in their practices.  If you have any questions, comments, or would just like to visit please give me a call at the Turner County Extension Office at 297-3112.