In a proclamation made last Friday, President Barack Obama declared this week, September 15 to September 21, National Farm Safety and Health Week.

The week is used to recognize the farmers and farmworkers who form the cornerstones of some of America’s most essential economic sectors.

Iowa State Extension Farm Management Specialist Shane Ellis says raising awareness for what dangers agricultural workers go through on a daily basis is both necessary and important.

“Farmers definitely learn how to be safe otherwise you just aren’t in the business very long.  You’ll end up having an accident that will happen, and while we try to minimize that, those producers are very aware of the risks that they are taking everyday.  They try to minimize those risks, they take as many safety precautions as they can, but there is no way that you can eliminate all those risks entirely–they’re going to be there just in order to get the job done.”

Ellis says there has been a constant improvement in the safety measures taken by farmers over the past few years as farms grow more technologically advanced and equipment gets bigger and bigger.

Ellis asks that consumers take some time this week to reflect and recognize what a big difference agricultural producers have in their everyday lives.

“The producer definitely wants to do all they can to produce a product that is safe and usable by the consumer and satisfy their needs.  I think that it also helps when the consumers are aware of the sacrifices and the work that goes into it by producers.  So anytime we can help educate and inform our consumers, we definitely take advantage.”

Anybody with farm-related questions or with questions about National Farm Safety and Health Week, can contact Ellis at 515-520-0601.