MANHATTAN, Kan. – To encourage all Kansas citizens to keep our state’s farm and ranches safe, Governor Sam Brownback has proclaimed September as Farm Safety Month and the week of September 21-27, as Farm Safety and Health Week.
The safety and health of Kansas farmers, ranchers and their families is imperative to the livelihood of agriculture. Through proper training and education, agricultural-related fatalities and incidents can be prevented. According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injury, agriculture is seven times more hazardous than other U.S. industries.
“Promoting the safety of agriculture to Kansas citizens is second to none. Agriculture is the driving force behind our daily lives. Proper and persistent farm safety will help keep the valued and treasured heritage of Kansas agriculture alive,” said Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey.
The theme for National Farm Safety and Health Week is ‘Safety Counts, Protecting What Matters.’ This week is an opportunity to bring awareness to vital farm safety while celebrating Kansas’ largest industry that brings together, whether in the field or around the dinner table, the people who matter.
For more information, please contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture at 785-564-6700 or visit the KDA website: http://agriculture.ks.gov/home.