Events and Activities : Farm Credit Services to help at Garrison farm safety event

Attendees of the 3rd Annual Kid’s Health & Safety Fair will learn about farm safety starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 11. Ally Schultes, Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) outreach coordinator, will talk about ATV and tractor safety. Schultes partners with Garrison Emergency Services for this event.

According to the National Safety Council, agriculture is the nation’s most dangerous industry. Between 1995 and 2000, nearly 700 youth died on farms and ranches in the United States, according to the 2004 Journal of Safety Research.

“The farm is a great place to live,” said Schultes. “People just need to be mindful of the dangers. Nearly every job on the farm can be dangerous.”

Schultes partners with Farm Safety For Just Kids to offer safety education for youth. Farm Safety For Just Kids was founded 25 years ago by an Iowa farm wife after the death of her son in a gravity flow grain wagon accident. The organization promotes a safe farm environment to prevent injuries and death by educating our youth.

FCSAmerica sponsors Schultes’ position, in addition to outreach coordinators in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska.

“Raising awareness for farm safety is important in our rural communities,” said Harold Hartke, FCSAmerica vice president for the Garrison area. “Our goal is to help ensure continued focus for our kids and promote safe environment education through Farm Safety For Just Kids’ resources and programs.”

For more information, visit www.farmsafetyforjustkids.org.