Delaware Farm Bureau Hosts Annual Safety Conference for Agricultural Workers

The Delaware Farm Bureau held its ninth annual agricultural safety conference at Pratt Farm Lodge, featuring sessions on tick prevention, livestock handling, fire safety, and emergency preparedness. Experts from state agencies and universities provided training on critical safety topics affecting Delaware farmers and agricultural workers.

Agricultural workers from across Delaware gathered at Pratt Farm Lodge on March 18 for the Delaware Farm Bureau’s ninth annual safety conference, organized by the Promotion and Engagement Committee. Conference Chair June Unruh welcomed participants by expressing gratitude for their commitment to agricultural safety and introduced her “three P’s” safety philosophy: prevent what can be prevented, make safety a priority, and safeguard your valuable assets. The day featured educational sessions on tick prevention, animal handling techniques, fire extinguisher operation, and emergency response planning.

DNREC Tick Biologist Ashley Kennedy led a session on tick-related risks and prevention strategies throughout Delaware. Kennedy explained that the state’s tick surveillance program operates continuously, monitoring and testing specimens while offering identification resources for residents. She identified four tick species of greatest concern: the Longhorned Tick, American Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick, and Blacklegged Tick. Kennedy pointed out that alpha-gal syndrome is linked to the Lone Star Tick, while Lyme disease and other infections can be transmitted by the Blacklegged Tick, also called the deer tick. Additional tick safety resources are available at www.de.gov/ticks.

University of Delaware Cooperative Extension’s Kent County Director Susan Garey presented strategies for safe animal handling practices. Garey stressed the need to stay composed and quiet when working with livestock, explaining that animals have limited depth perception and blind areas that make them susceptible to being frightened by quick movements. She noted that flight zones differ based on how domesticated the animals are. Garey warned attendees to avoid turning away from male animals, which tend to display more aggressive behavior. Her presentation concluded with advice to “plan, prepare, and always be aware.” Information about UD Cooperative Extension is available at www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension.

Delaware State Fire School Field Instructor Chuck Snyder conducted training on proper fire extinguisher usage. He outlined the five extinguisher categories:

• A – Ordinary Combustibles
• B – Flammable Liquids
• C – Electrical Equipment
• D – Combustible Metals
• K – Cooking Media (greases, fats, oils)

Snyder conducted practical training using a fire extinguisher simulator. He instructed participants to position themselves with the wind at their backs, maintain a distance of six to ten feet from flames, remove the safety pin, direct the nozzle toward the fire’s base, gently press the handle, and move side to side until flames are completely out. Snyder emphasized the importance of annual extinguisher inspections and mentioned that metal units can be recharged. More details are available at www.statefireschool.delaware.gov.

Todd Givler from Nationwide presented the company’s Farm Risk Ready initiative, focusing on risk assessment and emergency planning for agricultural operations. Givler emphasized the value of considering “what if?” scenarios to enhance preparedness, revealing that 65% of individuals lack formal emergency protocols and instead adopt a reactive “wait and see” mindset. He noted that established emergency plans can also improve insurance coverage by showing reduced risk levels. Participants were urged to evaluate their current preparedness and take preventive measures. Farm Risk Ready information is available at www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/farm-and-agribusiness/articles/farm-risk-ready.

Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Program Manager and Sussex County Inspector Jimmy Hughes presented information on pesticide safety and management. Hughes detailed the certification process for becoming a Certified Pesticide Applicator and reviewed continuing education requirements for maintaining credentials. He covered essential safety measures including proper handling procedures and application planning. Attendees earned one certification renewal credit by participating in his session. The DDA Pesticide Management Program information can be found at www.de.gov/pesticides.

“It is very important to stay informed and work smart; don’t learn the hard way,” Unruh said as she praised attendees for prioritizing safety education. “Keep a safety checklist in your head, and learn it, use it, and share it.”

Those seeking information about DEFB’s Safety Conference or Promotion and Engagement Committee can contact Assistant Executive Director and Marketing Coordinator Mikayla Paul at mikayla.paul@defb.org, 302-697-3183, or www.defb.org.