Safety Monday: Child Farm Safety During Harvest
Harvest is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year for farm families. The long days and fast pace bring a sense of accomplishment, but they also come with increased risks—especially for children. At Platte Valley Equipment, we know that farming is a family effort, and we want to remind everyone to keep child safety a top priority during harvest.
The Risks of Harvest Season
Children often look forward to riding along in tractors, combines, or grain carts, but these large machines are not designed with child passengers in mind. Even when precautions are taken, distractions and blind spots can make equipment dangerous. In addition, grain bins, trucks, and farmyards are bustling with activity, creating hazards that can quickly become life-threatening.
Tips for Keeping Kids Safe
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Create Safe Zones: Designate specific play areas away from machinery and traffic. Make it clear to children where they can and cannot go.
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Set Rules for Riding: Unless equipment has a designated buddy seat, children should not ride in tractors, combines, or trucks. While it may feel like a bonding activity, the risks far outweigh the benefits.
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Teach Visibility Awareness: Remind kids that if they can’t see the operator, the operator can’t see them. This simple rule can prevent accidents near machinery.
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Model Safe Behavior: Kids learn by example. When adults consistently follow safety practices, children are more likely to understand and respect the rules.
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Have Supervision Plans: During long harvest hours, make arrangements for childcare or supervision so kids aren’t left unsupervised around busy farm sites.
Community Responsibility
Farm safety is not just a family matter—it’s a community effort. Neighbors, extended family, and farm employees can all play a role in watching out for children and ensuring safety guidelines are followed. A culture of safety helps everyone return home safely at the end of each day.
Platte Valley Equipment’s Commitment
At Platte Valley Equipment, we’re proud to support farm families with equipment that gets the job done efficiently and reliably. But just as important as productivity is safety. By working together to protect our children during harvest, we ensure that future generations can grow up healthy, strong, and ready to carry on the farming tradition.
