National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety

05/16/2026

🌾🌍 Happy World Agritourism Day! 🌼✨ Let’s celebrate the incredible fusion of agriculture and tourism that empowers rural communities and preserves local culture! This year, we honor "Women Farmers Leading Agritourism and Sustainable Rural Economies Globally." 👩‍🌾💪

Farmers play a crucial role in ensuring visitor safety while offering memorable farm experiences. 🐄🚜 Check out safeagritourism.org for essential resources, checklists, and tips to keep your farm secure all year round. Together, we can cultivate a healthy future for agri-tourism! 🌱💚

05/15/2026

Will your children be helping you garden this year? Use these guidelines to assign them appropriate tasks:https://cultivatesafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/youth_working_in_gardens_en.pdf

05/14/2026

Spring is here, and our little helpers are ready to roll! But wait—let’s keep their age and abilities in mind. Want to nurture those budding skills? Try a fun project like assembling a birdhouse or even sharpening knife skills with soap & a plastic knife! Under adult supervision, these tiny hands can learn valuable lessons about tools & safety. Let’s pave the way for future DIY experts while keeping it fun and safe! Remember: Ag Youth Work Guidelines have your back for assigning tasks that fit their level. Happy spring farming! https://www.progressiveag.org/paf-safety-corner/are-you-ready-for-upcoming-spring-projects

05/13/2026

From planting trees or a garden, to installing a mailbox or fence, several outdoor projects will involve digging. However, before grabbing the shovel, it's important to remember a vital task – call 811! This simple, free phone call to the national call-before-you-dig number can ensure that any buried utility lines are clearly marked. Call 811 before any large or small digging projects to help prevent unplanned disturbances during your project, ultimately saving you time and money while ensuring your safety, along with the safety of your crew and neighbors.

Whether a seasoned professional or a homeowner embarking on their first digging project, your safety, and the safety of those around you, is in your hands. Even if you have excavated an area previously, factors like erosion and ground settling can change the depth and location of utilities over time.

According to call811.com, failure to call (or click) before digging results in damage to a buried utility once every six minutes across the United States. Disturbance to an underground utility line can cause damage to the environment, serious personal injuries, and disruption of service for the neighborhood, leading to expenses in fines and repair costs. https://www.progressiveag.org/paf-safety-corner/are-you-ready-for-upcoming-spring-projects

Anyone planning to dig should call 811 or visit their state’s 811 center website to request that the approximate locations of underground utilities be marked.

05/12/2026

Celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer! Don't miss this inspiring episode sponsored by Uplevel Dairy Podcast Founding Partner Adisseo featuring Zoey Brooks!

Nearly 10 years back on the farm, she shares her journey of overcoming challenges, leading with heart, and balancing motherhood. Her motto? "Do it scared!"

Plus, learn about her delicious creation—Black & White Aged Cheddar—a premium cheese brand born during COVID! Check it out here: https://www.morningagclips.com/the-first-10-years-back-on-the-family-farm/ 📺

ONLINE — In this episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen is on-site at Brooks Farms with Zoey Brooks, nearly 10 years after Zoey...

05/12/2026

Spring is here, and it’s time for transformation on the farm! Are you ready for your upcoming projects? Whether you're tackling repairs, planting seeds in the garden or the field, or adding new fixtures to the farm, safety should be a top priority—especially with curious kids around!

Here are some essential tips:

1️⃣ Choose the Right Tools: Inspect them before use; care matters!
2️⃣ Wear PPE like gloves & safety glasses.
3️⃣ Maintain Control: Firm grip + proper stance = safer work!

Let’s make this spring productive and safe! What farm projects are you planning?

05/11/2026

When leaders unite, child safety in agriculture becomes a shared responsibility—not an afterthought. https://bit.ly/49400Jm

05/10/2026

🌷✨ Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms out there! 💖 Today, we celebrate your endless love, strength, and the countless sacrifices you make. Whether it's doing farm chores with you or for you, handmade cards, or simply a warm hug—let's cherish these beautiful moments together. 🌼💐 Tag your mom and share what makes her special! 🥰💞

05/07/2026

Mental health stigma among agricultural youth directors is impacting practices more than we realize. An exploratory study revealed a median personal depression stigma score of 7.57, highlighting the need for awareness and support.

As leaders, it's crucial we examine how our perceptions influence our effectiveness in supporting the youth we serve. Let’s foster a culture of openness! What are your thoughts on addressing stigma in agriculture? https://doi.org/10.1080/1059924X.2024.2416427

05/06/2026

Securing women’s land rights strengthens agrifood systems and rural development and helps communities to thrive. Women remain behind in securing access, management, and ownership of land, and face discrimination or inadequate legal protection in these areas. Enhancing women’s land rights boosts their empowerment, investment capacity, sustainability, and resilience, while improving access to services, reducing gender-based violence, and strengthening bargaining power. https://www.fao.org/woman-farmer-2026

The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026). The Year will spotlight the essential roles women play across agrifo...