USDA Farm Service Agency’s Post

Why a non-contact voltage detector may be a farmer’s best friend. As farmers, we all know we can schedule an assessment from Hydro One’s Farm Rapid Response Team if we have an issue with stray voltage. A rep will come out and perform a pre-test inspection, conduct a site-layout, carry out an animal contact test and install a farm stray voltage reading device. From there additional steps include data analysis, further investigation and so on. It’s all good and it all takes time. But we can also be proactive and that’s why I’ve attached this brief and insightful farmer’s guide to checking for stray voltage on the farm. Because there’s more to stray voltage than just around livestock waterers.  Stray voltage can lead to personal injury and property loss. Completing the Level 1 Checklist provides you with a real time view of current or potential electrical issues. When over 40% of all barn fires are deemed to be electrical, being proactive in basic electric troubleshooting of on-farm systems goes a long way in identifying and mitigating small issues before they become big concerns. 

How do you create a safety resource that farmers will actually use, that resonates with them and meets their expectations and needs? You spend weeks consulting with them in groups and as individuals by attending events and taking a few minutes to engage with them on the issues during farm safety visits. You talk to farmers and their families so as to know that you are getting everyone's input. You have regard for the things that they have to say. You craft the resource with great care and empathy, using language that engages with farmers, with the support of a committee that consists of farmers who will not only give you thoughts on what to include, but also be your toughest critics, so as to ensure that the end product is 'fit for purpose'. The end result "By industry, for industry!" https://lnkd.in/gGGUDSvx

Pork producers are making their way to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and share how Prop. 12 is impacting their farming operations. This overregulation hurts producers, increases costs for consumers, and compromises our nation's food security. Learn more and tell Congress to fix Prop. 12: fixprop12.com.

Are you thinking about Synchronisation on your beef farm?👀 Have a look at our farmer booklet "Synchronisation - What can it offer you?" to find out the advantages and what to do before you begin👇 https://ow.ly/uFI150R8cp3

The next generation of farmers may need guidance and help along the way to avoid common mistakes. A new California program called "Expanding our Roots" gives California farmers an avenue to help out those who may need it. Interested in learning more? Check out the article below.  #riskmitigators #agriskadvisor #newgenfarmer

This week is Farm Safety & Health Week and is lead by the National Education Center for Agriculture Safety #necasag As harvest season has already started, road safety and equipment safety are key priorities. Drivers of farm equipment and other vehicles traveling on the roadway must be prepared for encountering each other during this season. Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions. When working around equipment, be aware of moving parts such as the PTO and other hazardous motions. Many pieces of equipment are going to be hot, moving and loud. Protect yourself and others by not rushing, avoid distractions, and keep in mind when you are tired, decision making becomes more difficult. Fatigue often leads to injuries and property damage. Get some rest! The 2022 data for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the agricultural sector is still the most dangerous in America with 417 fatalities. Fall harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for the agriculture industry. For this reason, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week. This annual promotion initiated by the National Safety Council has been proclaimed as such by each sitting U.S. President since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944. National Farm Safety and Health Week is led by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), the agricultural partner of the National Safety Council. #farmsafety #FarmSafetyWeek #cultivatingsafety https://lnkd.in/eHJBueW See the website for more details.

This is SO smart, both in what's being done and how it's being presented. To reframe an extension service as *a place of reliable expertise outside Internet infosewage* makes it so much more understandable by and accessible to the community. GREAT work University of Connecticut. 'A new UConn Extension publications site launched recently and provides fact sheets on topics affecting Connecticut residents, municipalities, and businesses. With the internet full of questionable sources, the science-based resources provided by UConn Extension offer trustworthy guidance with the backing of experts in a variety of areas, from reducing flood risk in communities to food safety tips and everything in between. ' https://lnkd.in/ePrqHgVB

With the busy harvest season upon us, the Barchart team is reminded that it is a privilege to serve the agriculture industry in various ways. From the cutting-edge data that helps producers make informed decisions that drive their operations forward to the innovative tools that support risk management and crop intelligence, we’re committed to empowering the industry every step of the way. As we observe National Farm Safety Week, we also recognize the importance of keeping production facilities and producers safe during this crucial time. Let's prioritize occupational safety together for a successful and secure harvest season. #FarmSafetyWeek #FarmSafety #NationalFarmSafetyWeek

A new ‘easy entry’ calf trailer gate is set to help reduce sprain and strain injuries on dairy farms. 🙌 “Farmers are often injured when they’re feeding calves, collecting them from the paddock, or when they slip or trip on uneven ground or slippery concrete,” says DairyNZ's Brian Dela Rue. “These injuries can have an impact on farm teams, with people needing 12 days off on average.” “Understanding where these injuries occurred helped us work with farmers and a team of specialists to co-design practical solutions, like the easy entry calf gate, to improve day-to-day calving activities.” The key feature is the hands-free spring-loaded saloon doors which make loading calves quicker, easier and safer. The trailer gate was developed by DairyNZ with the help of a $900,000 ACC Workplace Injury Prevention Grant and was co-designed with input from both farmers and workplace and farm systems specialists. Applications are now open for our fifth and final round of the Workplace Injury Prevention Grants programme, this time focused on improving health and safety in the manufacturing sector. See our website for more information about the application process and to submit your idea 👉 https://acc.nz/3wLklly

A handbook for older farmers - a great practical and useful guide! Well done! Being an older farmer could be a great life, but you need to take care of your health and the potential risks of farming!