9th Annual Progressive Farmer Farm Safety Day in Mobile

About 200 fourth grade students from Mobile County attended the 9th Annual Progressive Farmer Farm Safety Day in March at the Jon Archer Agricultural Center. Only four of Mobile County’s 61 elementary schools were invited to participate--Collier, Castlen, Collins-Rhodes, and Calcedeavor. The students from these schools were excited to be there!

This year’s event kicked off with a demonstration in which "Tom" (a stuffed dummy) showed what can happen when you are careless with tractors and farm equipment. Poor "Tom" was literally ripped to shreds.

The students formed groups to visit eight different safety stations such as:

• Animal Safety by Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES)
• Electrical Safety by Alabama Power
• Sun Safety by the Red Cross
• ATV Safety by Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) Young Farmer’s.

NRCS manned two stations. Mobile County NRCS District Conservationist Trent Mathews talked about Chemical Safety and NRCS Conservation Technician Marshall Colburn discussed "Stranger Danger."

At the end of the day, students viewed a Roll-Over Demonstration put on by the Alabama State Troopers. Students saw first-hand what can happen when you choose NOT to buckle up.

The volunteers played an important role in the success of this event. Without them, we could not hold an event of this magnitude. They really appreciated the lunch that was provided by ALFA.

The Mobile County SWCD/NRCS has strongly supported and co-sponsored this event from the beginning. When ACES Jane Hartselle could not participate because of the flu, I stepped into the Camp Coordinator shoes and proceeded with the preparations and coordination of the day. Hey! You gotta do what you can!

Everyone in attendance really enjoyed the day’s events. But this annual successful event would not be possible if not for the strong partnership between agencies, companies, and agricultural groups in Mobile County.

Special thanks to ACES, Mobile County SWCD/NRCS, ALFA, 4-H Junior Leaders, Alabama Power, Red Cross, USDA-Farm Service Agency (FSA), Master Gardeners, Alabama TREASURE Forest Association, and Earth Team volunteers.

Thanks everyone. I am looking forward to next year!