Ag News

'Live Well, Farm Well' is theme for Ag Safety Awareness Week

Posted on Feb 25, 2026 at 12:12 PM

County and state Farm Bureau leaders across the nation are sharing resources from the Agricultural Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) to help farmers and ranchers keep safety top of mind during Agricultural Safety Awareness Week March 2-6. U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers and AgriSafe Network will join Farm Bureau in promoting the week with its theme, “Live Well. Farm Well”.

A different safety focus will be highlighted each day of the week:

• March 2 – Beat the Heat

Protecting the health of farmers and farm workers starts with recognizing the risks of heat stress. Working long hours in high temperatures can take a serious toll, especially during peak seasons. Take regular breaks, stay hydrated, seek shade when possible, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Planning work during cooler parts of the day can make a big difference.

• March 3 – Rest and Refuel

Farming demands long days and hard work, but fatigue can lead to dangerous mistakes. Making time to rest, refuel with nutritious meals, and stay hydrated helps maintain focus and reduce the risk of injury. Listening to your body and taking breaks isn’t a weakness — it’s a vital part of staying safe and productive. A well-rested farmer is a safer farmer.

• March 4 – Know Your Numbers

Knowing your numbers can save lives. Understanding blood pressure, heart rate, hydration levels, and other key health indicators helps farmers recognize when something isn’t right. Regular checkups and paying attention to warning signs can prevent small issues from becoming serious emergencies. Your health is one of your most important tools, take time to monitor it.

• March 5 – Safe Lifting

Many injuries in agriculture happen while lifting, carrying, or moving heavy loads. Using proper lifting techniques, asking for help, and using equipment when available can prevent long-term strain and injury. Bend at the knees, keep loads close, and never rush a lift. Protecting your body today helps ensure you can keep doing the work you love tomorrow.

• March 6 – Move with Purpose

Every movement on the farm matters. Slips, trips, and falls can happen in seconds when we rush or lose focus. Taking deliberate steps, staying aware of surroundings, and keeping workspaces clear can significantly reduce accidents. Move with intention, slow down when needed, and stay present in every task. Safety starts with mindful movement.

During this week and throughout the year, Farm Bureau encourages farmers to make safety a priority on the farm.

“Farm safety education is an ongoing focus for Farm Bureau,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. “Our goal is to ensure that Georgia’s food producers have the tools and knowledge they need to stay safe and healthy.”

The Agricultural Safety Awareness Program is a part of the Farm Bureau Health and Safety Network of professionals who share an interest in identifying and decreasing safety and health risks. For more information and resources, visit the ASAP Facebook page.

Visit the Centers’ YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/USagCenters) for new content and fresh ideas about how to stay safe while working in agriculture, forestry and fishing. Join the movement to keep farms safe and share your own safety messages on social media using the hashtags #ASAP26 and #USAgCenters.

The 12 U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers are funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Here are some previous articles GFB has published about safety and mental health:

Tips to help people injured on the farm

https://www.gfb.org/news/gfb-news-magazine/post/tips-to-help-people-injured-on-the-farm

Prevent pesticide poisoning

https://www.gfb.org/news/gfb-news-magazine/post/prevent-pesticide-poisoning

Grain bin accidents: know how to prevent & respond

https://www.gfb.org/news/gfb-news-magazine/post/grain-bin-accidents-know-how-to-prevent-respond

Follow safety precautions around PTOs & hydraulics to prevent farm accidents

https://www.gfb.org/news/gfb-news-magazine/post/follow-safety-precautions-around-ptos-hydraulics-to-prevent-farm-accidents

Strategies to cope with stress

https://www.gfb.org/news/gfb-news-magazine/post/strategies-to-cope-with-stress