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up to the plate for Farm Safety
Farm Bureaus across the nation are making safety a priority this spring through the Agricultural Safety Awareness Program (ASAP). As part of ASAP, March 5-11, 2006 has been designated as Agricultural Safety Awareness Week. Its purpose is to remind agricultural producers that, in the rush of completing tasks on their farms and ranches, they need to take time to act safely and to repair or replace safety devices that protect them, their family members, and employees from injuries and fatalities. The 2006 theme, "Step Up to the Plate for Farm Safety", celebrates the many positive steps the agricultural community takes in creating safer farms and ranches. Like spring training in baseball though, we must renew our efforts, prepare prior to the season and practice to have a more successful year. Nolan Ryan, Hall of Fame pitcher, rancher and Farm Bureau member, joins the effort by asking all agricultural communities to make safety a part of their spring training. "Starting the season off right begins with careful preparation," Ryan says. "Farmers, ranchers and baseball players alike must take the steps necessary to prevent injuries in order to have a truly productive season." The annual event also recognizes the rich tradition of our farming and ranching culture in producing the safest and most abundant food in the world, and the involvement of all members of the farm family in age appropriate tasks. "Like passing the love of sports from generation to generation, farm and ranch safety can be passed from grandparent, to parent, to child and back again," said Ryan. "Everyone wins with safety!" Idaho County Farm Bureau announces the Essay Contest The theme is "Looking to the Future of Idaho Agriculture." It's time for students to sharpen their pencils and charge their imaginations. An agricultural writing contest is underway. The contest prompts 5th grade students to ponder agriculture and its often forgotten connection to today's world. Entry deadline is April 1st to the Idaho County Farm Bureau, 104 So. A St. Grangeville ID 83530. Contest Purpose: To create a positive learning experience that promotes reading, writing and the arts, and furthers the understanding of agriculture in our lives. Teachers may narrow the topic to a specific aspect if desired, or write on the general topic. Judging Criteria: Be original using correct spelling and grammar. Be fact and appropriate for classroom use. Include story title. Be 500 words or less. Relate to Idaho agriculture in a positive way. Be neatly handwritten or typed. Be suitable for publication. Entry Details: One entry per student. One student per entry. Limited to 5th grade students in public, private or home schooled during the 2005-2006 school year. Entries must include a completed copy of the entry form. Prizes: County Winner receives $25, 2nd & 3rd Places receive $10 each. Submission to the District level. District Winner receives $25, 2nd & 3rd Places receive $10 each. Submission to the State level. State Winner receives $50, 2nd & 3rd Places receives $25 each. For more information or an entry form, contact Jeanne Arnzen, 962-3327. |
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