Previous comments from the front page of AgRescue.com...

Another hurdle in farm safety and rescue efforts...

For those Pennsylvania Fire and EMS organizations wanting to plan a farm rescue training next year (2009):

There will be great competition for the PA Department of Agriculture tuition dollars that many organizations use to help offset the costs of the PAgRescue training programs. For this reason I wanted to let everyone know that:

• There MAY (no guarantees) be tuition reimbursement dollars available for training;
• The available dollars will most likely only cover 50% of the total cost (up to $100);
• That there may be a need to reserve the funds on a first REGISTERED first serve basis. That is, a department that registers in the spring for a course next fall might be more likely to receive the reimbursement than a department that waits until later to schedule a class, even if this class happens before the first one that registered early. 

The major point in all this is that more than likely there will only be enough dollars to fund only 50% of the tuition beginning in 2009.  Organizations will want to strongly consider applying for the small grants program beginning in August to help offset costs.

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My opinion...

 

Unfortunately, I am concerned the Governor, Agriculture Secretary, and the majority of the General Assembly still do not see or understand the value of everyone's efforts in the area of farm safety and farm accident emergency response. 

 

And as a taxpayer myself, I am concerned that the entire Department of Agriculture budget has been slashed yet again this year even though the overall state budget has grown.  Maybe one of them would like to "go public" or someone could explain the reasons for this?   The invitation is open to discuss this in the forum...

 

Eric J. Rickenbach

March 21, 2008

Is Your Farm Safety Grant Ready?

Would your organization like to sponsor a farm safety day, host a farm rescue training session, or produce some type of farm safety program?  If so you only have a short amount of time left to complete the PA Farm Safety & Occupational Health grant application.  Applications must be postmarked by October 30, 2007.

It also a good time of the year to contact your PA Senator and Representative and let them know how important farm safety programs are and the need for continued funding to be able to do these programs.  If you are not sure who your legislator is, you can go here to find out.

Eric J. Rickenbach - October 10, 2007 

Time for Ag Progress Days

It's once again that time of the year when farmers, and many non-farmers too, venture to Centre County, PA for Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences "Ag Progress Days".  This event is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, nine miles southwest of State College on Pa. Route 45.  This year's show runs from Tuesday, August 14 through Thursday, August 16.

The interesting thing about Ag Progress Days ("APD") is that it is different from the PA Farm Show in that APD is geared to the farmer and agricultural community.  All the displays and events are geared towards production farming and agriculture.

That is why there is a large area and arena specifically devoted to farm and agricultural safety.  Each year the staff of PSU's Ag Safety & Health Department, in cooperation with the PA Department of Agriculture, will present displays and information on various aspects of farm safety and emergency response.  This year's focus will be on skid steer safety. 

Stop by the Ag Safety & Health area at the west end of West 8th Street throughout APD, and if you are interested, be sure to attend the meeting of the Commonwealth's Farm Safety and Occupational Health Advisory Committee.  The meeting will be held in the Quiz Bowl tent located on West 9th Street, beginning at 6:00 PM.

See you there!

Eric J. Rickenbach - August 12, 2007 

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Well it is summer...

I opted to retreat to the comfort of the air conditioning while the mercury is above 90 degrees and the humidity is high today.   Fortunately for most farmers around here, with the exception of the second cutting of hay, most of the field work will take a brief break, until the corn silage starts getting chopped.  The weather has been great for field work, but rain is always needed.  Unfortunately, even though it is hot, when the crops are ready to come they have to be harvested - no matter however hot.  And when rain is forecast, farmers will push harder to get the crops in. 

Working in the heat, poses a danger to farmers and to emergency services personnel.  Heat exhaustion can lead to disorientation (and accidents) and if not treated, ultimately to heat stroke.  This can occur whether it is unloading hay wagons or working a house fire. 

That is why it is very important for everyone to understand how to prevent heat illness.  To prevent heat illness from happening, follow the guidelines listed below when working in the heat:

1. Drink water periodically as you work—about every 15 minutes or so. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.

2. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, as they cause the body to dehydrate faster.

3. Wear lightweight, loose clothing and light colors that reflect sunlight.

4. Save strenuous work for the cool times of day, such as early morning or evening.

5. Take periodic breaks in the shade—don’t push yourself.

6. Adjust gradually to working in the heat. No matter how young or how physically fit you are, you are still susceptible to heat illness.

This information is from the PSU publication: Heat Illness and Farm Work, authored by: Dennis J. Murphy, Professor, Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Cathleen Walker, Technical Writer.  For more information on heat illness, you can view/print the entire fact sheet by going here.

In the meantime, enjoy the summer and keep cool!

Eric J. Rickenbach - July 15, 2007

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Spring, 2007...

Well it is finally Spring and most farmers are in full swing with their field work!  But once again, the weather conditions have delayed some of the planting, so farmers may end up a little "rushed" in the long run.

As PA Department of Agriculture Secretary Wolff pointed out in a recent release "farming is a very dangerous but essential job that contributes to the well-being of all Pennsylvanians through the production of food and fiber.” He continues by reminding us that “as our farmers head to the fields to plant their crop this season, it’s important to recognize the hazards that exist and to work to minimize those risks.”  (For the full text of his article, you can click here.) 

At the same time, it is a good time for emergency responders to assess their preparedness as it relates to farm and agricultural emergencies.  Conduct a good risk versus benefit assessment of your area and capabilities.  Rural responders should not forget that agriculture and agricultural assets are considered "critical infrastructure" by the Department of Homeland Security, and that is something that you can incorporate into your Assistance to Fire Fighter grant application.  You can also begin planning your Farm Safety and Occupational Health grant which will open up later this summer.

By doing a little research into the agriculture in your district, you may be surprised to see some of the numbers, especially the monetary figures related to farming, and exactly how important the Commonwealth's $4.5 billion industry is!  There is an area on the forum to discuss farm and agriculture-related information as well as the grant program.  Please feel free to register (registration is required) and join in on the discussion!

In the meantime, let's stay safe out there and encourage our neighboring farmers to do the same!

Eric J. Rickenbach - April, 2007

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A few personal comments and observations about farm safety in PA...

One of the biggest hurdles to the various farm safety efforts here in Pennsylvania is that we seem to hit is a lack of funding for farm safety programs from the State.  I personally, along with a lot of other people, have been hounding people for years to increase the money available to do not only farm rescue training, but also farm safety days, farm safety education, etc. 

Earlier this year there were several farm related deaths here in PA.  Unfortunately, with the exception of a few small groups, there was no "statewide message" delivered on promoting farm safety.  We (I mean the state) are doing a wonderful job of preserving farmland, but we seem to lose sight of farmER preservation. This is why we need to promote local efforts to increase awareness and make farm safety a priority for all the stakeholders involved.

From a public safety perspective, think about it this way...  In 2004, there were 18 line-of-duty deaths in the fire service in PA.  There was all sorts of public reaction and concern expressed.  Our PA State Fire Commissioner, to his credit, took the lead to promote fire fighter safety and a loud and strong message was sent.  Ironically, that same year there were 24 agricultural-related deaths.  Where was the loud and strong message from our agricultural leadership in PA? 

This is why we need to begin contacting our legislators and Agriculture Department officials and tell them it is time to make sure that there are future generations of farmers to tend to the land.  We need to tell them that if given the tools, we can make a difference.

Eric J. Rickenbach - August 5, 2006