Keep Safe. Keep Farming.

This planting season, South Dakota Farmers Union wants to remind all of our farmers and ranchers to stay safe and keep farming. Just because it has never happened does not mean it couldn’t. Here are a few easy tips to remember this planting season to keep safe and keep farming.

• Transport Safely: Be mindful as you transport equipment on public roadways. SDFU reminds you to provide the traveling public with many signs to warn them you’re movingg more slowly than they are. Newer equipment features a wide variety of warning systems, such as flashing lights, extremity marking and slow- moving vehicle signs. We recommend bringing older equipment up to date to meet modern standards.
• Follow the Label: When applying products like herbicide, pesticide, or fungicide, it is important to read the label thoroughly. Make sure to wear long sleeves and protect your hands and eyes.
• Maintain Equipment: Keep every piece of equipment on your farm or ranch serviced. Even if you serviced a machine before putting it away last season, that does not mean it will be in perfect condition when you take it to the field this year.
• Store Fuel Properly: Store all fuel away from your machine shed. If any problems arise and a fire breaks out,keeping your fuel tank a safe distance away from buildings will offer the best protection.
• Stay Healthy: Spending long hours in the field does not mean you should skip meals or rest. Without enough sleep and proper nutrition, you will be operating at a reduced level in the fields.
• Watch for Children: Large pieces of equipment that make a lot of noise will attract a child’s attention. Avoid carrying your children on your farm equipment. If that’s not possible, make sure your child is secured.
• Be Prepared- Unfortunately, no matter how safe you try to be, accident will happen. So you need to be prepared for them. This includes having emergency plans in place and making sure everyone in the operation knows those plans. It’s important to know essential first aid techniques like CPR or how to stop someone’s bleeding. Simply knowing these few things can save lives and prevent further injury.

Ultimately the more you know about farm safety and the many hazards on your farm, the safer you, your family, and your workers will be. You can’t assume because it has never happened to you it won’t. For the sake of your loved ones, we are asking you at South Dakota Farmers Union to be safe this planting season. Keep Safe. Keep Farming.