Cultivate Safety
Farms and ranches are home to many things that are beneficial to both children and adults (plants, animals, family, chores, business features, etc.). Many adults who grew up on farms are happy to talk about the benefits of being raised on a farm – from instilling a good work ethic and teaching responsibility to building character and instilling a passion, love and respect for the land.
However, farms and ranches also have the most dangerous and deadly worksites in the U.S. By implementing the safety strategies and using the resources on this website, farmers and ranchers, their families and employees can reap the benefits of farm and ranch life, while minimizing the risks.
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. We welcome your questions, suggestions and comments.
Parent First, Farmer Second
Protect the most important thing you’ll ever raise. Be a parent first, farmer second. Do all you can to make your farm safe for children. Keep young children out of the worksite and off equipment (no extra riders) by creating areas for safe play. Assign farm tasks consistent with the youth’s age and abilities.
Child Agricultural Safety Brochure
Farms and ranches are wonderful places for children to live, work and play, but they are also one of the most dangerous worksites in the U.S. This brochure explores the the frequency and causes of agricultural related injuries and can help adults maximize the benefits and minimize the risks to children on farms.
Childhood Ag Injuries in the U.S.
About every three days, a child dies in an agriculture-related incident, and each day, at least 33 children are seriously injured according to the 2020 Childhood Agricultural Injuries Fact Sheet compiled by the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety.
Latest News
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Farm families open up about childcare and its impact on safety, economic viability of farms
A national survey of 860 farm families found childcare challenges affect child safety, farm business decisions, finances and well-being. Most respondents reported safety concerns and work changes made to balance childcare responsibilities.
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Hazards of corn box-play to be featured in free webinar, Sept. 14
Safety campaigns urge farmers not to enter grain-filled bins. So are we sending the wrong message to children if we allow them to play in a sandbox full of corn?
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Sun protection for children, youth to be featured in June 5 webinar
Childhood and teenage years are peak times for sun exposure. Sunburns during these years significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
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Tractor tragedy highlights need for rollover protection on older farm equipment
A new article detailing the tragic death of 14‑year‑old Taylor VanderWeele underscores the urgent need for increased adoption and funding of rollover protective structures (ROPS) on older farm tractors.