Safety Investment

Agricultural Education for Kids

Migration is not only seasonal for migratory animals; it is also part of our heritage. During the growing season on the High Plains and Panhandle regions of Texas, hundreds of migrant farm families relocate to the area for seasonal work.

During this time, migrant labor farm children are given a special opportunity to actively participate and learn about farm safety issues at the Progressive Agriculture Farm Safety Day in Plainview.

This year marked the third annual farm safety camp. The event was a success, as 200 migrant farm children participated in the activities at the Ollie Liner Center. Children from four counties including Hale, Lubbock, Floyd, and Castro attended.

Farm safety is always a concern for the families, and the people who live in the farming communities. It’s a vital concern among laborers working in the fields and around farming equipment. The Farm Safety Day provides a link to these issues and makes learning about it fun.

One of the camp organizers, Devon Casey, program specialist with the Texas Department of State Health Services said, “The camp is all about educating the children to keep them safe.”

Over 200 migrant laborer farm children attended the Third Annual Farm Safety Day Camp in Plainview.	Lynnette Payne, NRCS district conservationist in Levelland presented the cotton stripping safety program at the 2006 Farm Safety Day Camp.	Plainview firefighters and EMS staff showed off their equipment and explained how it’s used. Some of the kids were given the opportunity to participate in the program and model for the group.
Organizers and sponsors of the event supplied giveaway bags to all farm safety participants.	Young camper Alexis Rodriguez is one of many migrant farm children who relocated with their families to the High Plains during the summer months.	A grain safety demonstration was provided by the Texas Cooperative Extension Service in Plainview.

A total of 15 learning stations were set up throughout the center. Some of the safety topics included information on chemicals, grain, tractors, firearms, horses, small animals and rodents, fire, electricity, sun safety, and healthy lifestyles. The children experienced each session for 15 minutes, rotating stations throughout the day.

At the end of the day, one final presentation was given by Lynnette Payne, district conservationist with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). She presented a cotton stripper safety session to all campers, demonstrating the many blind spots a person has to contend with when driving a cotton stripper and the noise level dangers associated with the equipment. Payne explained additional hazards about when a person’s loose clothing or hair becomes entangled into the equipment, and how it only takes seconds to pull a person into the operating shaft with its enormous force.

The Texas Migrant Council and the Texas Department of State Health Services organized and developed the program working through the Progressive Agriculture Farm Safety Program. Their planning and organizing has paid off in their efforts to form an alliance of support.

“This year we exceeded 30 local sponsors and it’s still growing,” said Tricia Vowels, program specialist for the Texas Department of State Health Services. “Since we started this program three years ago, we have over 60 corporate and local sponsors giving their time and resources for the kids.”

Atmos Energy made it a day to remember by giving their time and funding for preparing hamburgers at lunch. United Supermarket, Ray Lee Equipment, Plainview ISD, Covenant Health System in Plainview, Region 17 Education Service Center, Superior, and FirstCare are just a few of the many who helped sponsor the event.

Wes-Tex Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D), USDA-NRCS and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) provided assistance and continue to support this important program.

Cindy Poole, Wes-Tex RC&D coordinator said, “Wes-Tex matched a $500.00 grant again this year with the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in Plainview. It’s funding for a good cause and we look forward to next year.”

Some of the national sponsors included Bunge, Farm Plan, Kawasaki, Bayer, Monsanto, Case International, Shell, Farm Credit System, and State Farm Insurance.
Termed by the Progressive Agriculture Foundation as a community camp, Plainview is the host of one of the largest migrant safety day camps in the nation. Many Texas agencies and businesses highly support this farm safety education effort because they know it’s a good investment for the future.

For more information about the Plainview Farm Safety Camp, contact Tricia Vowels, program specialist, Texas Department of Health Services at (806) 767-0414.

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