The rush to get to the fields can cause some producers to overlook obvious safety concerns.

Rush on planting can increase safety risks

A successful planting season should include attention to safety, say experts

Although Agricultural Safety Week was observed March 12-18, now is the time for heightened awareness and planning. Agriculture is one of the most dangerous professions, yet larger farming operations and increased pressure to get crops planted can translate to anxiety and tension, and can distract producers from the hazards they face. “It’s ‘go time’, so […] Read more

While the overall decrease in farm fatality rates is promising, it comes with a catch. The decline is because the number of farmers in Canada has significantly dropped.

New data highlights need for culture of safety on the farm

A new report is helping highlight the need to embrace a culture of safety in agriculture. Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting (CAIR) released its latest report with data on agriculture-related fatalities between 1990 and 2020, with particular focus on 2011 to 2020. CAIR is a national surveillance program funded by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association and […] Read more

File photo of a John Deere X9 combine. (Deere.ca)

American Farm Bureau, Deere sign ‘right to repair’ memo

MOU to seek private-sector solutions

Chicago | Reuters — The American Farm Bureau Federation and machinery manufacturer Deere and Co. signed a memorandum of understanding on Sunday that ensures farmers have the right to repair their own farm equipment or go to an independent technician. As the agriculture sector accelerates its adoption of technology, the reliance on high-tech machinery such […] Read more

Grain dust might be a regular occurrence on farms, but that doesn’t mean respiratory problems should be. Take steps to protect yourself.

Protect yourself from developing respiratory problems

Grain dust may be commonplace on farms, but respiratory problems don’t need to be

It’s harvest season and that means two things are common sights on farms across the country — combines and grain dust. Just because grain dust is a regular occurrence on many farms doesn’t mean you should ignore it. In fact, grain dust can wreak significant havoc and long-lasting damage on your lungs with repeated exposure. […] Read more

This nighttime photo shows the frustrating futility of fighting a dryer fire from the outside, and the danger to human safety.

Will your grain dryer become a grain fryer?

Eighty per cent of fires caused by trash buildup and can be avoided

Glacier FarmMedia – Fall is busy for grain dryers, especially if the harvest window is short and tough grain needs quick attention. Storing tough grain that hasn’t received proper attention is a good way to waste money, according to GSI dryer specialist Randy Sheley. He says there are two ways your money goes up the […] Read more


The hot underside of vehicles is a ready source of ignition for wheat field fires because of the short clearance between stubble and vehicle.

Avoiding, preparing for and reacting to harvest fires

Tips on what to do if a fire happens, and how to prevent it

Field fires can happen in any crop and at any time but tend to be more prevalent in mid-summer during cereal harvest. With wheat harvest in the province fast approaching, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with how to prevent a field fire, and what to do if one occurs.  Why it matters: A […] Read more

A large storage bin with two centrifugal fans mounted through the sidewall. This bin has numerous vents around the roof to help with aeration. The vents are placed about two metres (six ft.) back from the eave of the roof.

How to reduce grain handling and storage hazards

Practical strategies for a safer season

Handling and storing grain are dangerous tasks that expose farmers to numerous hazards. Power take-off (PTO) entanglements and suffocation from grain engulfment or entrapment are two of the most common incidents involving grain.  Why it matters: Keeping stored grain in good condition and following recommended safety measures when working with grain can prevent incidents. To […] Read more

It’s important to have a Slow Moving Vehicle sign clearly visible on the back of the tractor or implement and to use hazard lights (four-way flashers).

Don’t let health and safety take a backseat during harvest

Hiring adequate help and developing an emergency response protocol are key elements of safety plan

Harvest is one of the busiest times of the year in farming, which also makes it one of the most dangerous.  While more roadway collisions and on-farm injuries are reported during harvest than in other seasons, farm safety experts suggest many incidents are predictable and preventable. Rob Gobeil, agricultural health and safety specialist with the […] Read more


Farmers advised to do spring assessment of safety risks

Farmers advised to do spring assessment of safety risks

Statistics show farming is dangerous so safety precautions can play a role in injury prevention

Glacier FarmMedia – Just as some people clean their houses from top to bottom each spring, producers should examine their farms and ranches for safety hazards at this time of year, says a national advocate. “Everybody gets complacent, right?” said Robin Anderson, communications co-ordinator for the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA). Why it matters: Taking […] Read more

File photo of a flock of snow geese on Buffalo Pound Lake in south-central Saskatchewan. (Bobloblaw/iStock/Getty Images)

Ontario bans birds at events as avian flu spreads

Infected snow goose found in western Saskatchewan; two backyard flocks in Montana also confirmed infected

Up against several outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian flu in commercial poultry flocks, Ontario is temporarily banning birds from appearing at shows and other such events. Provincial Agriculture Minister Lisa Thompson on Friday announced a ministerial order taking effect just after midnight Saturday (April 9), in which “the movement to and participation of birds in […] Read more