Who We Are
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System operates as the primary outreach organization for the land-grant functions of Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities.
- Meeting Our Mission - a look at Extension's program areas and how they help people and communities improve their quality of life and economic well-being.
- Extension: A Ready Partner - the nuts and bolts of Alabama Extension from who and where we are to our funding, human and technical capacities, and unique partnership opportunities.
- Focusing Our Efforts - the objectives and planned outcomes of the top six strategic program initiatives (SPIs) identified through 2010 statewide surveys and meetings. Extension efforts will focus on these programs considered important to the future well-being of Alabama.
- Developing Alabama's Workforce - Extension's network of educators across the state works with local, state, and federal agencies, schools, community groups, labor, employers, and others to strengthen workforce development.
- Extension Is Working in Your Community - Extension's unique educational outreach fosters community development and economic prosperity in rural areas, small towns, and metro areas throughout Alabama.
- Seven Reasons Why We Need Cooperative Extension
- A 21st Century Extension Creed
History
- How Extension Works For You - A brief history of Extension and an overview of the major program areas.
- Historical Panorama of Alabama Agriculture - John Augustus Walker Murals
- About the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) on Wikipedia (Offsite)
- Extension in other states (Offsite)
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Farm Safety Management

Contact:

Jesse LaPrade
Extension Farm Safety & Environmental Specialist
Corley Building
Auburn University, AL 36849
334-707-9534

Farm safety is a serious issue in the United States. The annual death rate for farm workers involving on-farm accidents is 20.3 per 100,000 workers nationally. Forty-six percent of all farm fatalities are from the use of farm tractors and implements used with tractors. Nearly one-half of farm fatalities from using tractors involve the tractor overturning. Between 75 to 85 percent of current overturns are to one side because tractors have a high center of gravity. Sudden turns at low or high speeds can cause a tractor to overturn to either side.

Please fill out the Alabama Farm Injury and Fatality Survey to help Extension collect data about injuries and fatalities in the state.

Farm Safety Training Materials

Alabama Farm Safety Management Plan - a self-help training program for farmers

A Farm Safety Management Plan for Alabama Farmers (PDF file) - without pictures
Farm Safety Management Plan Presentation (PDF file) - with pictures for use in training
General Farm Safety Rules (PDF file) - all participating farmers must review all of the rules and use only those that apply to their unique operation
Electrical Safety Rules (PDF file)
Fire Safety Rules (PDF file)
Tool Safety Rules (PDF file)
Machinery Safety Rules (PDF file)
Animal Safety Rules (PDF file)
Toxic Safety Rules (PDF file)
All Farm Safety Rules (MS Word file) - a list of all rules that can be modified
PTO and Post Hole Digger Safety (YouTube video)

Other Training Materials to Support the Farm Safety Management Plan

Chainsaw Safety Presentation (Windows Media Video .wmv file)
Outside part of the presentation, more on safety & maintenance (.wmv file)
Field Worker Safety Training Presentation (PDF)
Tractor and Machinery Safety Presentation (PDF) **WARNING: Contains very graphic images of accident victims that may be unsuitable for some viewers.
Farm Safety Quick Reference - a poster for public training events
University of Maine's Farm Safety Program "Harvesting Hay Safely" by Dawna L. Cyr and Steven B. Johnson is useful and straight to the point for use of conventional balers as well as round bale hazards involved in hay baling operations and applies to Alabama conditions as well as to Maine. Please study this article several months before beginning hay baling operations as there are some equipment preparation that will be needed to maximize baling safety. There are an increasing number of injuries and fatalities involving hay operations in Alabama in the last several years. This well written article should help you become aware of the major hazards involved in hay baling operations.
Hold Downs Used to Secure Cargo (PPT file) (Accordent Video) (PDF file)

Catfish Production Safety for Workers

Safety for Fish Farm Workers English version (PDF)
Safety for Fish Farm Workers Spanish version (PDF)

Fact Sheets

Critical Information for Acreage Owners

Acreage owners are those individuals who do not farm but maintain one or more acres of land. Data show that the nonfarming population in Alabama experiences three to five fatalities every year from tractor use. It is critical that you know how to use a tractor safely! Please read the following information on safe tractor and implement use, especially about purchasing retrofit rollover protection structures (ROPS) for tractors.