Children and Youth

Being raised on the farm has countless benefits.  Kids learn to respect the land, handle animals with care and to value hard work. Of all these lessons, it’s also important that kids learn to practice safety and health every day.  After all, farm safety isn’t common sense–kids must be taught how to recognize hazards and to respond safely.  Emphasizing and enforcing farm safety and health practices from a young age ensures that the next generation of agricultural leaders grow up healthy!

NC 4-H Agricultural Safety and Health Presentations Category

NEW! NC 4-H is now offering a Presentations category in Agricultural Safety and Health. 4-H Presentations are a huge part of North Carolina 4-H. It is one of the most successful way to help a young person learn how to do a public speech.  The Agricultural Safety and Health Presentations Category allows youth to explore the topics related to agromedicine, farm safety and health, while developing their research, writing, and other communication skills. This category is open to any topic related to the health and safety of farmers, fishermen, foresters and any other agriculture workers. This project was funded by the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety.

Sample Topics Related to Agriculture Safety and Health:

  • Tractor Rollover Protection Systems (ROPS)
  • How to Build Safe Play Areas on Farms
  • Safe Farm Tasks for Children
  • Logging Hazards
  • Field Hygiene and Hand-washing
  • History of the NC Agromedicine Institute
  • Cold/Heat-Related Illness
  • Safe Handling of Livestock
  • Zoonotic Disease
  • Health Benefits of Farm Life
  • Safety and Agritourism

Youth can learn more about farm safety and health through their local 4-H chapter.  Joining is FREE and the opportunities are endless!  Check out this video to learn more or contact your local Extension Office Today!

What is 4-H?

4-H is a fun program where you get to “Learn by Doing.” With more than 10,000 established 4-H programs across North Carolina, you can be a part of 4-H wherever you live. All youth between the ages of 5 and 19 are invited to join! In 4-H you can go to camp, start a business, ride in a bike rodeo, take part in an international exchange, raise an animal, create a blog, give a presentation, participate in a community service project, develop your resume, practice interview skills, learn about healthy eating habits, build lifelong friendships.

Best of all, membership is FREE! 4-H costs nothing to join, and you are not required to purchase a uniform. Member expenses are minimal and determined by the club itself. Check out more about how to Get involved in NC 4-H.

 

Progressive Ag Safety Days

The Progressive Agriculture Foundation sponsors safety days for all ages.  The safety days take place all over the world!  Safety days are tailored to meet community needs, but topics often include ATVs, bikes, nutrition, chemicals, dialing 9-1-1, sun safety, animals, machinery, grain, and fire safety.   Their website also has tons of curriculum and safety activities designed just for kids. Click the link to access these kid-inspired resources and find out more information.  You can also reach out to Alyssa Spence to learn how to coordinate a safety day in your community. Click the contact tab for more info.

 

Cultivate Safety Website

The National Farm Medicine Center and National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety designed the Cultivate Safety website to provide easy access to agricultural safety information and resources for farmers, ranchers, supervisors and media.  The website has information designed to help adults keep youth and children safe on the farm.

Not sure what tasks are age-appropriate for youth on your farm? The Cultivate Safety Website has you covered with the Agricultural Youth Guidelines.  Check out the video below to find out more about this useful tool.

 

The website also information about the Childhood Agricultural Safety Network (CASN), which is a coalition of organizations that work together to help keep children safe on the farm. These organizations represent the agricultural community, child injury prevention, minority-serving associations and related industry organizations.

 

Other Children and Youth Ag Safety Resources