It’s harvest time across rural America, and whether it’s grains, fruits, vegetables, or grapes, farmers are in full swing gathering the year’s bounty. It’s no coincidence that this week in September has been designated as National Farm Safety and Health Week—a timely reminder that safety and wellness are just as critical as yields.
“It’s harvest time across rural America, be it grains, fruits, vegetables, or grapes. No coincidence this week in September designated National Farm Safety and Health Week.”
According to the most recent census of fatal occupational injuries, more than 5,200 fatal work injuries were reported across the farming, forestry, and fishing industries. A majority of those are linked to farm accidents, with a large percentage occurring during harvest season—when long hours, heavy machinery, and increased pressure can create dangerous conditions.
“Most recent census of fatal occupational injuries showing more than 5,200 fatal work injuries when you consider farming, forestry, and fishing industries. Majority of those related to farm accidents and a large percentage of those happening at harvest time.”
This week serves not just as a call to farm safety, but also to recognize the importance of mental health and wellness in rural communities. High stress levels, financial uncertainty, and long work hours can lead to serious health issues—including increased drug and alcohol use in farming regions.
“Thus a reminder each fall to practice safety measures and not to be lost this week along with safety is health and wellness. Stress levels in rural America unfortunately lead to a lot of health issues including increased drug and alcohol use.”
As harvest continues, we join others across the ag industry in hoping for a safe and healthy harvest for all.
“We join others looking forward to a safe and a healthy harvest. This is the bottom line report.”
In other ag-related news, economic indicators suggest more support may be on the way. The CME FedWatch tool is now showing a 94% chance of another rate reduction by the Fed in October, followed by a 92% chance of another in December, signaling potential relief for interest-rate-sensitive farmers.
“CME FedWatch now shows 94 percent chance of another rate reduction by the Fed in October and another one another 92 percent chance in December.”
Audio Reporting by Mark Oppold for Southeast AgNet.