Reading Time: 2 minutes Last year, 11 people were killed on farms in Alberta. Over the past 11 years in the province, an average of just over 15 people have lost their lives each year on farms. Most were the owner/operators of the farm. We urge you to make a commitment now, to keep yourself, your family and your employees safe. […] Read more
Opinion: Hiding in plain sight – hazards posed by grain bins
It’s a risk that can’t be ignored. Last year, two farmers in Alberta died after falling from a grain bin
Schoepp: Take a ‘man overboard’ approach to make your farm safer
Sailors don’t leave harbour without going over the safety plan for that day. It’s an approach farmers should also take
Reading Time: 3 minutes I learned a lot about farm safety while sailing this summer. We set off for a week of fair skies, light winds and glorious sunsets, which were delivered in breathtaking beauty. On our first day out, a Minke whale graced our port side, followed during the week by porpoises and four humpback whales. Eagles soared, […] Read more
Preventable farm accidents continue to take a grim toll in Alberta
Farm workplaces are dangerous places — thousands suffer injuries every year and some lose their lives
Reading Time: 3 minutes Editor’s note: This story contains graphic content. Farmers and their family members keep getting hurt or killed for the same reasons, so a 14-year veteran of rural medicine is sharing accident stories as a warning during harvest. Dr. Andrew Swinton was one of the foot soldiers on the front line who dealt with serious injuries […] Read more
Be safe and profitable when storing grain
Best practices for safety and preventing spoilage in bins frequently cross over, says safety expert
Reading Time: 3 minutes The pre-harvest season is a good time to think about best practices around grain bin safety. Sounds like one more set of things to do on top of about a million others, right? Not necessarily, said a farm safety specialist. Those already taking action to minimize grain spoilage are also eliminating safety risks, said Robert […] Read more
Safety awareness program for farm kids returns
Reading Time: < 1 minute A safety initiative for farm children is being brought back after a successful launch last year. The BASF Safety Scouts program gives out kits that include an adjustable child-sized safety vest, safety-themed activity and colouring sheets, and badges. Last year, more than 2,000 kits were sent out to farm families across the country, said BASF […] Read more
The danger of old batteries to livestock
Reading Time: < 1 minute Producers are being warned about the danger of lead poisoning from old batteries, particularly ones that “no longer have intact cases” (which exposes the lead plates). Young calves are particularly attracted to the salty taste of lead and will actively seek it out, said Dr. Joe Kendall, veterinary toxicologist with Alberta’s Ag Ministry. “Cattle that […] Read more
Tips for reducing fire risk on your property
Start by ensuring the perimeter of your home and outbuildings are clear of combustible debris
Reading Time: 2 minutes FireSmart your spring cleaning — around your home. “With the change in seasons, many Albertans have spring cleaning on their minds and are starting to clean up their yards on their farms or acreages,” said FireSmart specialist Laura Stewart. “Some outdoor maintenance activities can be done in the early spring to help protect your home […] Read more
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
Bigger equipment can spell big trouble with power lines
Fortis says sprayers and air seeders came into contact with power lines 20 times last year
Reading Time: 4 minutes Farm equipment is getting bigger and it’s no longer uncommon to see air seeders in the 75-foot-wide range that fold up to considerable height in transport mode as well. But when is big too big? Or more precisely, when is ag equipment too large to safely clear power lines? Last year, Fortis Alberta responded to […] Read more
BeGrainSafe has a busy year despite pandemic
Reading Time: < 1 minute More than 450 firefighters took training this year on how to respond to grain entrapment. The 19 training sessions are part of the BeGrainSafe initiative run by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, which is supported by a host of farm groups and ag companies and associations, including Alberta Canola Producers and Alberta Wheat. “Even with […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
