Next week is National Farm Safety and Health Week (Sept. 20-26), with a reminder that “Every Farmer Counts.” This year’s theme is especially true as COVID-19 lingers, adding to the usual physical and mental health and safety concerns on the farm.

Having farm readiness plans ahead of harvest allows farmers to take the time to slow down and think through necessary safety measures. Through planning and preparation, farmers can easily pivot when faced with the unexpected – including COVID-19.

David Gibson, the executive director for Texas Corn Producers (TCP), says:

“This year has been unique for every American. It can be easy to feel isolated in the wide-open spaces of Texas farmland; yet, we know the pandemic and its impact reach even the most remote Texas communities.”

It’s important for farmers to prepare ahead of time so they can easily accommodate a change of plans due to a farmhand or even family member contracting the illness, in addition to the precautions taken every year.

Gibson says:

“It’s important to do our part in taking the necessary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. As someone who contracted the illness this spring, I know this is not a sickness any farmer wants to battle come harvest time – especially when a halt in operations can be detrimental to the farm business. It’s important to put in place social distancing measures, wear masks in public places, and keep hands clean by using hand sanitizer and washing often.”

National Farm Safety and Health Week organizers note that this year’s theme of “Every Farmer Counts” acknowledges, celebrates, and uplifts America’s farmers and ranchers who have encountered many challenges over the past couple of years, yet continue to work hard to provide the food, fuel, and fiber that Americans need.

TCP encourages farmers to have a farm readiness plan in place, so their operations don’t come to a halt in the event of an accident or illness. Once developed, farmers should place their plans where they can easily be found, and additional copies can be shared with trusted business partners, neighbors, or friends.

FARM READINESS CHECKLIST

Protect Yourself

• Always “take a second for safety.” An extra second could save your life.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Drink plenty of water and get enough rest.
• Make it a point to check in with family and loved ones regularly, especially when fall gets hectic.
• Take time for yourself, even if it’s just a quick walk around the farm.
• Monitor yourself for signs of stress. If you notice something odd, say something.
• Follow all safety guidelines for equipment.

General Farm Information to Include

• Hired help contact information and primary job responsibilities
• Typical machinery dealership and/or repair services used
• Crop advisor and/or farm manager name and phone number
• Crop insurance agent name and phone number
• Ag lender name and phone number
• Locations of equipment needed for harvest

Field Plans

• Field names and locations
  • Highlight in a plat book, if possible
  • Note where the field entrance is and what side is best to start working from
  • Location of hybrids that may be sooner to dry down for harvest
  • Do you have irrigation equipment that needs to be moved?
  • Are there any potential hazards for harvest (deep gullies or pivot stops)?
• What still needs to be done? Do you have pivots that need to be checked?

Stored Crop Plans

• What is your intended location for storage or delivery for each field’s crop?
• Are there any bins that need to clean out? Where do you deliver to?
• Are all bins functioning clearly?
  • Which bins may need to be watched more closely than others?
• Do you have any upcoming delivery contacts? List specific contract information.
• Does anyone help market your crops? If so, list their contact information.

Additionally, TCP encourages farmers to take the extra second to think through the necessary safety precautions that are crucial for every harvest.

Gibson says:

“Taking the time to think through equipment safety, entanglement hazards, fall hazards, fire prevention, grain wagon, and grain bin safety can prevent detrimental accidents. It’s time well spent to step back and ensure a safe harvest.”

The post Texas Corn Producers reminds the “Every Farmer Counts” event appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Kyla Hamilton, a TCPA board member, and her husband Cole attended the presidential visit on behalf of the ethanol and corn industry in Texas. The Shallowater farmers said having the ethanol industry represented in America’s energy conversation is imperative.

Ethanol’s role in energy production is key to ensuring America’s national security. Corn farmers found ways to produce more crops with less land, which has reduced ethanol’s carbon footprint. Now, ethanol is creating 41 percent lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than baseline gasoline. Because of efforts such as these, for the first time since 1970, annual gross energy exports officially passed gross energy imports, which made America the dominant energy-producing nation in the world.

Trump said:

“With the tremendous progress we have made over the past three years, America is now energy independent. Instead of relying on foreign oil and foreign energy, we are now relying on American energy and American workers like never before.”

In addition to the industry’s accomplishments, Trump briefed the recent deregulatory actions taken by his administration. He read his plan to benefit American consumers and the energy sector by lowering costs, expediting projects and extinguishing unnecessary regulatory hurdles.

As a farmer who has traveled to D.C. to advocate for building trade relationships though the United States Mexico and Canada (USMCA) trade agreement, Hamilton was most excited to witness the signing of policy that will lay a fuel pipeline directly to Mexico.

“Even though the event took place in the West Texas dust, it was a breath of fresh air to be in attendance,” Hamilton said. “This was the first time I have seen as many people on the same page in the same place focused on one issue for one hour in a long time.”

Hamilton said she hopes the President follows up by continuing to drive the conversation and efforts to progress the energy industry to utilize environmentally friendly, renewable fuels such as ethanol. Infusing the energy market with clean-burning ethanol supports both America’s energy independence and benefits the environment for generations to come.

Hamilton said:

“Our industry is in the middle of a huge forward push for progressive fuels. I hope ethanol continues to be a part of the conversation for our administration, so farmers feel supported and encouraged to contribute to the movement.”

TCPA remains hopeful that the administration continues its support of this valuable corn market by ensuring the original intent of promoting domestic ethanol production through the Continuing this dialogue with the administration and legislature is a key part of the association’s efforts.

Source: Texas Corn Producers

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Texas corn farmers welcome news that USMCA will be advancing in Congress. We appreciate the bipartisan effort of House leadership and the administration to reach an understanding and move this important agreement to reach stability in the trade relationship with our neighboring countries. TCPA particularly appreciates the leadership of Texas congressional members who recognize the value of these trade relations to our state and led the call for USMCA to proceed in D.C.

TCPA and fellow agricultural interest associations continue to assert the value of maintaining and growing agricultural export markets – and Mexico and Canada are key markets for Texas farmers. Securing trade relations is certainly needed as farmers continue facing volatile economic conditions – offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise grim market.

Mexico and Canada account for 29% of all U.S. agricultural exports. With U.S. corn and corn product exports valued at $3.3 billion, Mexico was the top market in 2017/2018. With its obvious geographic opportunities for Texas, the Mexican market is of vital importance for corn farmers – impacting farmers and regional economies significantly.

Source: Texas Corn Producers

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