News Federation Hosts National Farm Safety Conference

Federation Hosts National Farm Safety Conference

Federation Hosts National Farm Safety Conference
May 24, 2016 |

Agricultural safety specialists from 20 states were in Alabama April 26-28 to attend workshops and tours aimed at saving farmers’ lives.

The Alabama Farmers Federation, a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation, hosted the annual event for Farm Bureau safety coordinators. Brad Cox of Fayette, the Federation’s safety coordinator, organized the event. 

“Farming can be a dangerous occupation, and every year there are tragic stories about serious accidents and deaths that occur on farms,” said Cox, who also is the Federation’s Area 2 organization director. “The mission of the conference was to educate farmers and their families about the importance of slowing down and being safe in everything they do.”

The conference included tours of Alabama row crop, livestock and agritourism farms, plus a tour of Auburn University. Workshops focused on youth safety programs, legislative issues and state volunteer initiatives along with discussions on current safety issues and successful state programs.

Safety specialists from Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation demonstrated the organization’s grain bin extraction tube that was filled with corn donated by Alabama Farmers Cooperative. The traveling exhibit showed how to prevent grain bin accidents and extract trapped victims.

Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said he’s pleased Alabama hosted an event focused on improving the lives of farmers and their families.

“Since most farmers are self employed, an injury can be devastating to them, not only physically, but financially,” Parnell said. “Regrettably, most accidents can be prevented. Our goal is to reinforce the value of putting safety first in whatever farmers do.”

For photos of the meeting, visit the Federation’s Facebook or Flickr pages.

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