The forecast of warming temperatures is welcome news to area farmers weary of the cold, ice and snow which has gripped the area. Spring planting finally seems within grasp. However, longer days mean longer hours in the field, which lead to increased risk of farm accidents.

In the past week, many area farmers were fortunate to hear Davis “Dave” Hill, director of Penn State’s Managing Agricultural Emergencies program speak at the AgChoice Farm Credit producers meeting near Clarks Mills. Many thanks to AgChoice for making this presentation part of their program and taking a lead role in promoting farm safety.

Dave’s presentation focused on how we all make risk-benefit decisions throughout our daily routines, our historic record of being one of the worst areas in the state for farm fatalities, and the efforts of Penn State Extension, local agri-business and dedicated volunteers to reverse this trend.

Preventing accidents is both possible and preferable, but we all know that they inevitably can and do occur. What we do to educate ourselves in evaluating risks on the farm is important.

So is teaching everyone on the farm to practice safe working procedures every day — every time. Nevertheless, being prepared to react to the unthinkable is critical if someone is involved in a serious accident or life threatening situation.

Think about it: Would you know how to respond to an accident if you discovered it? Are you sure? Life is the most precious commodity we have on our farms and we measure it in time. For many of the more common and serious accidents encountered on the farm, time is your enemy.

The Mercer County Agricultural Health and Rural Safety Advisory Committee has been an extremely dedicated group of volunteers who have worked hard for many years to help us provide educational programs devoted to farm safety and we have witnessed a dramatic decline in farm fatalities in our region.

Most, if not all, of these volunteers have become involved due in part to an accident which happened to someone close to them. They know the phrase, “It won’t happen to me,” is unrealistic.

They know the danger and find doing nothing about it is unacceptable.

Our committee invites you to become involved in the discussion with us.

When you consider the risks of farm life, ask yourself if a few hours of your time is worth keeping those you love alive.

Our next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Mercer County Extension Office. Representatives of our Amish community are encouraged to attend and discuss their perceived educational needs as well. Together, we can continue to make a difference.

Gary W. Micsky is sustainable agriculture/natural resources educator for Mercer County Cooperative Extension. Contact him at: 724-662-3141 or by e-mail: MercerExt@psu.edu