Farm Bureau Hosts Agricultural Safety Conference in Smyrna March 18

The Delaware Farm Bureau's Promotion and Engagement Committee will hold its ninth annual agricultural safety conference next month at Pratt Farm Lodge in Smyrna. The free event aims to educate farmers and community members about safety practices while offering continuing education credits for certified pesticide applicators.

Delaware’s farming community will gather next month for an important discussion about agricultural safety when the Delaware Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Engagement Committee presents its ninth annual safety conference.

Scheduled for March 18 from 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., the event will take place at Pratt Farm Lodge located at 587 Smyrna Leipsic Road in Smyrna.

The conference aims to unite agricultural professionals and community members to discuss safety challenges, share effective practices, and increase safety awareness throughout the state. Organizers say the gathering also helps residents better understand farming operations and the critical importance of maintaining safety for everyone involved.

Several expert speakers will address key safety topics during this year’s program, including tick safety presented by DNREC Tick Biologist Ashley Kennedy, animal and livestock safety covered by Susan Garey, who serves as Kent County Director and Animal Science Agent, and farm risk preparedness discussed by Todd Givler, a Senior Consultant for Sponsor Relations at Nationwide. The Delaware State Fire School will also conduct a hands-on fire extinguisher demonstration.

Those holding pesticide applicator certifications can earn one continuing education credit by attending the conference.

June Unruh, who chairs the Agricultural Safety Conference, remains passionate about advancing safety practices in farming. “Farming is one of the most important and rewarding professions in our state, but it also comes with risks,” Unruh said. She stressed that farmers and community members must work together to maintain safety by remaining alert, well-informed, and taking preventive measures.

While the event is free and includes lunch, attendees must register in advance at https://defb.org/promotion-and-engagement/delaware-ag-safety/.

Additional details are available at defb.org or by calling the Delaware Farm Bureau at 302-697-3183.