As hundreds of farmers in Door and Kewaunee counties hit their fields over the next several weeks, you are being encouraged to do what you can so everyone gets to go home to their families. The agricultural sector remains one of the most dangerous in the country according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics with 573 fatalities, or an equivalent of 23.1 deaths per 100,000 workers. During the third week of September, federal, state, and local agencies compile resources for farmers and other stakeholders to recognize National Farm Safety and Health Week. Not only does the week focus on tractor and rural roadway safety, it also focuses on operating within confined spaces and mental health. Adam Barta from Rio Creek Feed Mill and Peninsula Pride Farms says there are lots of ways farmers and motorists can keep each other safe.

According to UW-Extension, there were found 41 agricultural deaths in 2017 and 34 in 2018.  Tractors were the source of the majority of non-highway fatalities, and machinery is often the agent involved in entanglement, amputation injury, crushing, and other forms of non-fatal injury.