Vermont AgrAbility Project Helps Westfield Farmer Keep Farming
Geoff Whitchurch
(802) 888-4972, ext. 403, or (866) 260-5603
E-mail: vtagrability@uvm.edu
The large tires on the power chair easily navigated the rough terrain around the farmhouse as Robert Smith skillfully piloted it through several doors through the milk house into the feeding pens. He picked a pitch fork off the wall, plucked a fork-full of hay from a pile in the middle of the barn and drove to a pen of goats, who received their first feeding from the smiling farmer in a new wheelchair.
Smith, 49, operates a goat dairy farm with his parents, Linda and Richard Smith, in Westfield. Although he has managed almost every aspect of the operation, his difficulty walking due to his cerebral palsy has made it challenging for him to get from his home to his barn to tend to his goats.
Thanks to the Vermont AgrAbility Project, he recently received the assistive equipment he needs to maneuver around his farm more easily.
Robert Smith tries out his new power chair for the first time on his goat dairy farm in Westfield, VT.
Geoff Whitchurch, an outreach specialist with University of Vermont Extension’s Vermont AgrAbility Project, was able to obtain a motorized wheelchair at no cost through GetATStuff (Get Accessible Technology Stuff), an online database (www.getatstuff.com) of used and new assistive devices that people donate or sell to help others in need.
The resource is just one of many that Vermont AgrAbility accesses to help farmers and agricultural workers who have been seriously injured or have chronic health conditions. These include, but are not limited to, arthritis, spinal cord or back injury, amputation, brain injury, paralysis, visual or hearing problems, respiratory ailments and muscular impairments such as cerebral palsy.
“In addition to locating assistive equipment to help farmers around the farm and home, we help find funding sources through VocRehab Vermont and the Vermont Center for Independent Living to help with farm modifications to accommodate physical and mental challenges,” Whitchurch says. “This most recent success story offers insight into how Vermont organizations work together to bring affordable re-used equipment to those in need.”
Robert Smith feeds his goats for the first time from his donated power chair on his goat dairy farm in Westfield, VT.
The power wheelchair that Whitchurch found came from Charlene Flinn of Barre whose husband, Sheldon, had received the wheelchair from a woman whose husband no longer needed it. Unfortunately, he never got the chance to use the chair, so she posted it on the GetATStuff web site for free to anyone who could use it. When Whitchurch contacted Flinn, who comes from a farming family, she was excited to be able to donate the chair to a Vermont farmer.
“The joy and excitement of receiving a power wheelchair was evident in Robert’s eyes,” says Whitchurch, who recently delivered the chair to the long-time goat farmer. “The pain and frustration that was evident before when Robert walked into and out of his house was replaced with relaxed confidence as I watched him smoothly transition from his house to his tractor and barn in his new power wheelchair.”
Richard and Linda Smith stand proud with their son Robert and his power chair. The chair has made getting around the farm and doing chores much easier for Robert.
For more information on the Vermont AgrAbility Project or any of the associated services, contact Geoff Whitchurch, Vermont AgrAbility Project education and outreach coordinator, at (802) 888-4972, ext. 403, or (866) 260-5603 (toll-free in Vermont) or by e-mail at vtagrability@uvm.edu.
Vermont AgrAbility Project Farmer’s Field Day
The Vermont AgrAbility Project hosted its first ever Field Day event on August 20th. Coordinated by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension and Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL), the Field Day was held at Young’s Milky Way Farm in Springfield, VT. Many of you who have attended the AgrAbility National Training Workshops probably remember Kenny and Kelli Young, the operators of the Farm. The intention of the Field Day was to create a community and connections for those farmers who could benefit from AgrAbility services. The event also served to broaden awareness of AgrAbility services through attendance and the intensive publicity surrounding the Field Day.
The highlight of the day was watching Kenny, who is paralyzed from the waist down due to a snowmobile accident eight years ago, transfer from his wheelchair to a tractor using the self-modified lift from a decommissioned line truck. Kenny’s and Kelli’s ingenuity is apparent around the farm and around their house. Home modifications include a stovetop, microwave, and sink that are easy for Kenny to use from a wheelchair. The kitchen cabinets can lower electronically so Kenny can reach dishes and glasses, and by raising the cabinets when he’s done, they don’t lose counter space below.
Ask Kenny what he does for exercise and for fun in a state that is known for skiing to shake the long winter blues and for biking to enjoy the beautiful countryside; he’ll say, “well I ski and bike”. Not only does he ski, he teaches others with paralysis how they too can ski.
UVM Extension and VCIL staff were thrilled to have seventy-five people in attendance. Locals in attendance spoke of coffee house chatter regarding the Field Day, so event coordinators know that radio spots, television programs (UVM Extension’s, Across the Fence), newspaper articles, poster advertisements, and social media reached many more than just those in attendance.
The Field Day provided a wealth of information from vendors and other related organizations. In attendance with fully staffed information booths were: Vermont Center for Independent Living, University of Vermont Extension, Farmer Veteran Coalition, GetATStuff, Vermont Farm Bureau, VocRehab, Priority Medical, Farm First, Action TrackChair, and the Amputee Coalition of America represented by Ms. Abilities America, Dianna Allen with a wonderfully positive and motivational presentation.
Vermont AgrAbility Project staff look forward to hosting another Field Day in 2015 in a different part of the state.
For more information on the Vermont AgrAbility Project please contact:
Geoff Whitchurch AgrAbility Outreach Coordinator University of Vermont Extension 29 Sunset Dr., Suite 2 Morrisville, VT 05661 802.888.4972 ext. 403 geoffrey.whitchurch@uvm.edu
We have all been injured in one way or another at work or at play. Sustaining an injury usually affects our ability to be as productive as our uninjured selves. Many of us will heal fairly quickly and get back to business as usual. What happens to those who do not recover from their injury? What happens to a farm or other agricultural enterprise when a farmer or farm hand is unable to work due to an injury or a chronic health condition?
The University of Vermont Extension has a couple programs in place that address this and related issues. The Rebates for Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) program helps prevent injury by providing a 70% rebate (up to $865) for the installation of a ROPS on farm equipment. The Vermont AgrAbility Project provides resources for farm and equipment modifications to farmers with a disability or chronic health condition.
Agriculture consistently ranks as one of the nation’s most dangerous occupations. Each year agricultural workers in Vermont sustain disabling injuries in work-related accidents, non-farm injuries, illness and other chronic health conditions. The effects of a farm going out of business are felt from the family level to the state level. Farming has about a $4 billion impact on Vermont’s economy (http://governor.vermont.gov/govdash/agriculturepage). When farms go out of business or do not run efficiently, families are devastated and Vermont suffers.
Preventing Injury
The first step toward keeping a productive farm in business is ensuring safety. When 7 out of 10 farms are out of business within a year of a tractor rollover, it makes sense to protect yourself, your family, and your business. Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) are 99% effective, when used with a seatbelt, in preventing rollover deaths and serious injuries. If your tractor does not have ROPS installed, do it now! You can save 70% (up to $865) on costs to retrofit your tractor with ROPS. Just call, 1-877-767-7748 with the year, make, and model of your tractor and they will help you find the right ROPS for your tractor. This rebate offer ends soon.
Accommodating an Injury
So, what happens when a farmer or other agricultural worker must live with an injury indefinitely? Vermont AgrAbility is a free, confidential service provided by University of Vermont Extension, promoting success in Vermont agriculture for people with health conditions and their families.
Vermont AgrAbility helps farmers and agricultural workers with chronic health conditions gain more control over their lives, continue to farm successfully, and live independently. They offer education, assistance, referrals for financial assistance, and facilitate farm modifications to accommodate your unique abilities.
Eligibility
Vermont Farmers and agricultural workers eligible for Vermont AgrAbility services may have any type of acquired or traumatic disability – physical, cognitive or sensory.
AgrAbility addresses many conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Arthritis
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Back impairment
- Amputation
- Brain injury
- Visual / hearing
- Respiratory
- Muscular
No Cost Services
Information and referral
- Information about farming with a disability
- Referrals for financial assistance
On-Site and Technical Assistance
- Restructure work tasks / operations
- Modify farm equipment and tools
- Acquire assistive technologies
- Explore alternative agriculture enterprises
Secondary Injury Prevention
- How to prevent further injuries or disabling conditions
Peer Support
- Connect with others who have accommodated their disability
Background and Resources
The Vermont AgrAbility Project operates under a grant from USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service in Washington, D.C. We have a vast network of resources to address the individual needs of each farmer. Currently, there are 21 USDA-funded State AgrAbility projects, plus several affiliates serving other states using other funding sources.
Install your ROPS so you do not become an AgrAbility client. If you do sustain an injury or would like to accommodate to an existing injury or disability take advantage of your Vermont AgrAbility Project. Vermont needs farmers and we may be able to help you continue to farm comfortably and productively.
For more information contact:
Geoff Whitchurch
(802)888-4972 ext. 403
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Are you a Veteran with a severe service-connected disability that affects your mobility? Do you know someone who is? If you answered “Yes” to either question, then you or someone you know may be eligible for the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant program that is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The SAH program helps certain severely-disabled Veterans and Servicemembers purchase or construct an adapted home, or modify an existing home, to create a barrier-free-living environment. VA offers two grant programs: the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant and the Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant.
The SAH grant can be used to purchase or modify a home so that it provides a barrier-free living environment that affords Veterans a higher level of independent living. Veterans and Service members with certain service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a grant up to the current maximum of $67,555.
The SHA grant can be used to increase the mobility of eligible Veterans and Service members throughout their home. Veterans and Service members with specific service-connected disabilities may be entitled to this type of grant, up to the current maximum of $13,511.
In addition to these two grant types, a temporary residential grant may be available to SAH/SHA eligible Veterans and Service members who are or will be temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member. The maximum amount available to adapt a family member’s home for the SAH grant is $29,657 and for the SHA grant it is $5,295. All grant amounts are indexed annually based on cost of construction, and the grant amounts will never decrease.
VA has staff located nationwide to assist individuals in applying for and receiving these grants. You can find more detailed information about qualifying disabilities here: http://benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp, and you can find contact information for an SAH Agent in your area here: http://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/contact_agents.asp.
Each Veteran’s housing/living needs are as unique as their physical disabilities. The SAH program provides hands-on, personalized, customized service to severely-disabled Veterans seeking home adaptations.
If you have any questions, please email sahinfo.vbaco@va.gov.
Vermont AgrAbility Program Updates
Hello everyone,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and pass along a few program updates and recent changes to the Vermont AgrAbility Program.
I am Geoff Whitchurch. The UVM Extension Vermont AgrAbility Program hired me in early December as the Education and Outreach Coordinator.
About Vermont AgrAbility:
The Vermont AgrAbility Project is a sub-unit of a larger National program designed to help farmers and agricultural workers with chronic health conditions gain more control over their lives, continue to farm successfully, and live independently. We offer education, assistance, facilitate farm modifications, and assist in finding funding sources.
A couple quick, select examples of past projects: We found funding for the fabrication and installation of a lower step on a tractor to help a farmer with arthritis get up on his tractors more easily. We have found funding for the fabrication of a hand clutch for a farmer with an amputation and a farmer with arthritis. We had retractable stairs designed and built with a handrail and counter-weight to accommodate a farmer with M.S.
We are currently working toward solutions with a farmer with A.L.S., another with mental challenges, and another with a possible sleep disorder, among others.
Our goal is to help farmers experiencing any physical or mental hardship find solutions to help them continue farming comfortably and productively. Our services are free. We make farm visits to determine type of need. The Vermont AgrAbility Project neither offers nor guarantees funding for these projects. But, we can help find funding, usually through such agencies as Vermont Center for Independent Living, and Vocational Rehab. We are a state-wide program so please help us find farmers and help farmers find us!
Vermont Farm Show:
We are gearing up for the 2014 Vermont Farm Show. The show will be at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction from January 28th to January 30th. Open 9 to 5pm on Tuesday / 9 to 7pm on Wednesday / and 9 to 4pm on Thursday. We are sharing a booth space with ROPS (Rebates for Rollbars), and we will have a VT Health Connect Navigator with us. Please stop by and say hi and get more information.
More about ROPS:
7 out of 10 farms are out of business within a year after a tractor rollover. So, it makes sense to protect yourself, your family, and your business. Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) are 99% effective in preventing rollover deaths and serious injuries. Outfitting your older model tractors with ROPS can greatly increase your chances for future success following a rollover accident. The ROPS program can fund 70% (up to $865) on costs toward retrofitting your tractor with a rollover protective structure. All it takes is a phone call or email with your tractor make and model and we will do the rest. In Lamoille County, Vermont, ROPS can fund 100% of the cost. Contact a ROPS agent: 1-877-767-7748 or on the web at www.ropsr4u.com.
Please, Like Us, Follow Us, Tweet Us, and stay connected with Vermont AgrAbility on our social media outlets or my contact info found at the end of this post.
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WordPress: www.farmsafevt.wordpress.com
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/vtagrability
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Twitter: www.twitter.com/vtagrability
Please contact me if you have any ideas, questions, or if you are or know a farmer or other agricultural worker who may need our services. I am happy to make site visits!
Thank you!
-Geoff
Geoffrey Whitchurch AgrAbility Outreach Coordinator University of Vermont Extension 29 Sunset Drive, Suite 2 Morrisville, VT 05661 802.888.4972 ext. 403 geoffrey.whitchurch@uvm.eduAgriculture related jobs and internship opportunities
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| Two Mountain Farm Andover, NH. Journeyperson Program
NOFA-NH’s Journeyperson Program provides production farmers in their first few years of independent farming with the kind of hands-on support, training, and community connection that only comes with experience. Journeyperson applicants are beginning farmers who have previous on-farm experience/apprenticeship and training, and are serious about pursuing a career in organic farming in NH. This is an intensive mentorship model, and Journeyperson mentors are paid an annual stipend for their time and one-year commitment. Journeypersons are offered education and business planning stipends, and are enrolled in the program for two years. Application deadline: January 15, 2014 For more information click here. |
| Colorado Farm To Table Salida, CO Colorado Farm to Table is a non-profit farming organization located in central Colorado. Our mission is: “Volunteers grow, harvest and distribute fresh produce at no cost to food banks, soup kitchens and pantries, feeding families in need across Colorado.” This small farm operation, in business since 1996, (>20 acres) specializes in growing vegetables at high altitude for distribution to partners across Colorado. In a good irrigation water year such as 2011, we raised and distributed to the food insecure in Colorado more than 94 tons of fresh produce. Farm Manager; Carry out all duties related to the growing of sweet corn, cabbage, broccoli, three varieties of squash as well as any other produce crops to be grown in the future, Operate greenhouse and oversee the growing of cabbage and broccoli starts, Operate all equipment necessary to complete all field work, seed bed preparations, planting, irrigating, cultivating, and spraying, Oversee field crews and assist in all facets of harvesting and loading of produce during harvest, Service, repair, refurbish, and maintain all equipment used throughout the year, Weld and construct any equipment or tools needed according to design providedClick here to apply. For more information about the position contact Tony Madone, Jr. at 719-207-2737 or email info@coloradofarmtotable.org |
| Dazi Acres Pikeville, TN. Dazi Acres is a 27-acre sustainable, renaissance farm in Eastern Tennessee. We raise pastured chicken, turkey, pork, and beef. Using the Poly-face Farm as our model. Our chicken is featured in one of Chattanooga’s finest restaurants as well as the best Italian restaurant in Crossville.We have one (possibly two) opening(s) for an internship beginning April 15 in which you will learn: Pastured chicken and duck management, including care and feeding, moving on a daily basis, predator management and weekly slaughter, Baby chick management, Pastured turkey management, including care and feeding, and moving 2-3 times a week using electric netting, Pastured pork production, including care and feeding and 2-3 times a week moving using electric netting and training to electric wire, Pastured rabbit management, including care and feeding, moving on a daily basis, and slaughter, Management intensive grazing for cattle, layer chickens and sheep and use of electric wire, most likely at our home farm and a nearby rented farm, Handmade cold process soap making, You will learn both the “master batch” and individual loaf methods, Farmers’ Market marketing, including setup, rules and regulations, and direct marketing to customers and restaurants, CSA management, Building a pole barn, Equipment and infrastructure maintenance. Apply today by submitting your letter of interest toinfo@daziacres.com For more information click here.
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Carbon Monoxide and Fires
PUT A FREEZE ON WINTER FIRES
The United State Fire Administration (USFA) and NFPA remind you that home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. People are at greater risk in the winter season when they may use unsafe heat sources or if they don’t follow fire safety rules in the kitchen or while using candles.
Facts and figures
Carbon monoxide
- In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 80,100 non-fire CO incidents in which carbon monoxide was found, or an average of nine calls per hour.
- A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time.
Source: NFPA’s Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Incidents report.
Electrical safety
- Roughly half of home electrical fires involve electrical distribution or lighting equipment.
- Nearly half of home electrical fires involve equipment such as fans, washers, dryers, space heaters and air conditioners.
Source:NFPA’s Electrical Firesreport.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide incidents are more common during the winter months, and in residential properties. Carbon monoxide calls to fire departments are more common during the early evening hours.
- NFPA report: Carbon monoxide incidents
- Carbon monoxide fact sheet
- Carbon monoxide safety tip sheet
- NFPA report: Deaths and Injuries due to Non-Fire Exposure to Gases
- More about carbon monoxide.
Video: NFPA’s Ben Evarts explains why carbon monoxide is dangerous.
Electrical safety
Electricity is one of our basic needs. The best way to keep your home safe from electrical hazards is to take good care of appliances and to use all electrical equipment properly.
- NFPA report: Electrical Fires
- Electrical fires fact sheet
- Free toolkit: resources for a community electrical safety campaign.
- Safety tip sheets on electricity, outdoor electrical safety, CFL light bulbs, and clothes dryers
Heating
Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during the winter months. In fact, half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February.
- NFPA report: Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment
- Ten tips to get ahead of the winter freeze (PDF, 352 KB)
- Heating fact sheet (free tip sheet)
- Portable fireplaces fact sheet (free tip sheet)
- Sparky® has a heating safety checklist for kids (PDF, 519 KB).
- Free toolkit: resources for a community heating safety campaign
Cooking
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and related injuries.
- NFPA report: Home Fires Involving Cooking Equipment
- Cooking fire fact sheet (free tip sheet)
- Thanksgiving fire fact sheet (free tip sheet)
- NFPA discourages the use of turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil.
- Free toolkit: resources for a community cooking safety campaign.
Candles
The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day and Christmas Eve.
- NFPA report: Home Candle Fires
- Statistics: Home candle fires (PDF, 59 KB)
- Candle fire safety tips
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
The winter holiday season should be a joyous time of year. However, certain types of fires and injuries associated with holiday decorating are much more common during this season.
- NFPA report: Home Christmas Tree and Holiday Light Fires
- NFPA report: Home Structure Fires That Began with Decorations
- Statistics: Christmas tree and holiday light fires (PDF, 51 KB)
- Christmas tree fire safety tips
See more NFPA resources on winter safety topics:
Off To College; Apartment Living
Soon, many young adults will be moving into off-campus housing for the upcoming semester. Many are making that trip without their parents; loading everything into their car and heading off. Wow; big, exciting changes for the student as well as the family left at home. I don’t think it makes you a “helicopter parent” to make sure they are living in a fire-safe environment. It’s simply a part of educating your student to what they need to do to stay safe during the school year.
Send them off with a list of phone numbers, preferably laminated, to post on their refrigerator. Include both the emergency and non-emergency number for the fire and police departments. 911 is the universal emergency phone number in all US states. Include the phone number of the landlord or property management firm for the apartment. Include the 911 address of the apartment. In an emergency, it’s a good idea to have that information available to read; no one knows how they will react in an emergency – answering even simple questions could be difficult.
I know the car is full, but send them off with an ABC fire extinguisher, or better yet, two. One for their bedroom, one for the kitchen. ABC means they work on 3 classes of fire; A = combustible materials like paper or wood. B = flammable liquids like gasoline or oil. C = electrical. Make sure they know to call 911 first, before attempting to put out any fire. It needs to be a small, contained fire to use an extinguisher. Do they know how to use a fire extinguisher?
- P – pull the pin
- A – aim at the base of the fire, not the flame
- S – squeeze the lever
- S – sweep from side-to-side
Checking the fire alarms and carbon monoxide monitors is probably not going to be high on their priority list. On that call home, when they tell you they’ve arrived safely and are all moved in, ask them about the fire alarms and CO monitors.
- Has she/he tested them?
- Is there a smoke alarm for every bedroom, outside the sleeping area, and on every level?
- Are they all interconnected, so when one sounds, they all sound?
Click here for Smoke Detectors and CO monitor regulations, by state.
If there are no detectors, or they are outdated (have no date of manufacture or are more than 10 years old), or are not functioning correctly, that is not acceptable.
If your child is a smoker, or has friends that smoke, encourage them to smoke only outside, and use sturdy, deep, non-tip ashtrays. Many think a can or disposable cup makes a great ashtray – encourage them to have water in the bottom to extinguish the ashes.
The ambiance of candles is great, but they are so dangerous; they’re an open flame with lots of fuel. Candles need to be placed in sturdy candle holders and placed no less than 12″ from anything that can burn (including >12″ from the maximum that the curtains can move). Candles must be blown out whenever they leave the room or go to bed.
I hope your child has a healthy, safe and wonderful semester while you get used to that empty nest!
Wonderful Weather for a Trim!
Yesterday when I woke up, the house was almost chilly! The high temperature for the day was 25 degrees cooler than Friday, with much lower humidity and a stiff breeze. Perfect weather for working in the yard and gardens. I slathered on the sunscreen, donned my sunglasses and dorky sun hat with the long tail in back to protect my neck, and headed outside. The front gardens and lilacs needed work; I’ve been avoiding them for too long. I got out my rubber kneeling pad, wheelbarrow, anvil and bypass pruners, bow saw and work gloves and headed to the front lawn, followed by my trusty companion, Kade.
I quickly found that the mosquitoes were enjoying the weather as well; they were ferocious! Back inside I went for bug dope. My hat may be dorky, but spraying bug dope on it works; I don’t have to put the chemicals in my hair or on my face and neck!
It didn’t take long to find that my pruners were dull. It took a very few passes with the sharpener and I was back in business. What a difference sharpening makes!!
I subscribe to the theory that the only difference between a bad haircut and a good haircut is about a week, and feel this translates well to pruning. Truthfully, at first I was a bit conservative, but Husband was tedding hay; now was my chance to work without a critic telling me “enough”! I asked Kade if it looked alright, and she smiled back at me (she’s a Norwegian Elkhound, she always looks like she’s smiling!) so I kept going. The more I trimmed the lilacs, the better she liked it; she loved being able to get under them, into the shade as I took out the low-hanging branches. Some branches were touching the house; they’re gone now…. (I googled ‘pruning lilacs’; it should have been done right after blossoming. Ooops……)
Am I done yet? No, I need to get into the bushes and thin out the suckers; Hubby came home and was okay with what I’d done, but didn’t want me to do any more. Thinning will happen another day; I just have to give him a week to get used to this “haircut”!
A Rash of Farm Accidents
Guest written by Bill Snow, VT AgrAbility Project
Why would 3 farm accidents occur in the same week, within 20 miles of each other?
The three accidents are as follows:
- Farmer A uses the same routine every day to put a round bale of hay into the feeder, after his wife opens the metal gate for the tractor to pass through. This day, he’s in a hurry and uses a different approach, hitting his wife’s hand with the loader. Result: wife suffers several broken bones in her hand, requiring surgery.
- While round baling on a hillside, Farmer B sees the bale start rolling down the hill. He jumps off the tractor to get it. The hired man sees that the brake was not set; the tractor and baler are rolling down the hill. The hired man gets the farmer’s attention; the farmer tries to hop on the tractor, but is run over and taken to the hospital.
- Farmer C has a flat tire on his hay wagon. While working to remove the tire from the rim, the heavy hammer bounces back and hits him near his eye.
I am also aware of a fourth accident recently, though not in the same week as the first three: Farmer D’s son has just returned to work after a month of recuperation. He too got off the tractor without setting the brake; it rolled backwards over him.
Why is this happening?
We had very dry and even dusty conditions in the beginning of May. It then started raining and hasn’t stopped! May was the wettest on record, and June was within a whisker (0.06″) of being the wettest.
Some farmers have not completed their corn planting and may not do so. Many farmers have been unable to complete their first cutting of hay. Some crops have been lost. Many fields have standing water in them. The crops just don’t look good. It basically rains every day, and flooding occurs often.
Some farmers are depressed, frustrated and worried about having feed for the winter. When the sun shines and they are able to get on the land, the pressure will be on to get as much done as quickly as possible. This pressure makes people take short cuts and take more risks. As one farmer said to me yesterday: “Yes, I was in such a hurry I almost jumped over a running PTO…….I caught myself and said ‘that was a stupid thought'”!
During difficult harvest times you have to be extra-vigilant to be safe. Your life is worth it.
Farm Safe VT 