Ag Safety Conference to convene in person March 30

The Delaware Farm Bureau's Promotion and Education Committee announced the Ag Safety Conference scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 30, will be held in person in the Commodity Building at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington.

"The pandemic, for the past few years, has prevented the conference from meeting in person. Everyone is looking forward to in-person conversations with fellow farmers and neighbors," said June Unruh, Delaware Ag Safety Conference chair.

Offered in partnership with Nationwide, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension and Delaware Department of Agriculture, the conference will feature presentations on health and safety issues, a core credit, door prizes, and free coffee, donuts and lunch for participants.

Unruh said the event focuses on farmers and members of the agriculture community, but it is open to anyone with interest in the topics offered.

She and DDA Secretary Michael Scuse will give opening remarks. 

"This isn't just for farmers – anybody can attend. In the past, we've always had people come that aren't in the farming business, but they liked the topics," she said.

Presentations during the event will include: Heat-Related Illnesses with Dan Wagner of Bayhealth Medical Center; Fall Protection with Matt Ludwig of Nationwide; Ladder Safety with Matheu Carter of the University of Delaware; and Worker Protection Standards in Reference to Respirator Specific Training by Dr. Kerry Richards of the University of Delaware.

Delaware Farm Bureau President Richard Wilkins will give closing remarks to round out the event.

Past conferences have focused heavily on grain bin safety, among other topics, but Unruh said this year's conference has a different spin.

"This year's conference, I think, is focused on the farmer himself. We've always talked about machinery and safety, and this year it's all about keeping himself safe. He's got a job to do and he's got to keep himself healthy and well. He's out there feeding the whole world; he's got to pay attention to his own safety as well. And we feed them! They feed us, so this is our chance to feed them," Unruh said. "Our farmers are stewards of the land and are feeding the world. It is crucial that they take their own personal health and personal safety seriously. Agriculture workers are exposed to a wide range of work-related hazards, and the safety conference addresses these types of issues every year.

"We must never lose focus of safety issues on the farm. It is crucial for the well-being of our farmers so they can perform their everyday jobs. Doesn't matter if you are just starting in farming or have been farming for a lifetime – safety starts with you. Think safety every day. The world is counting on you,” she said.

Registration is free and includes the core credit and lunch for participants. For more information and to register, go to defb.org.