Mariah Swygert
Hometown: Leesville, SC
Position: Masters of Agriculture, Graduate Student
“I grew up on a small family farm that raises beef cattle, goats, chickens, and pigs. We also have donkeys and a mule and grow a small number of vegetables and various fruits. We own a few fields used for hay, corn, sunflowers, oats, and winter crops. I have also worked with my uncle in his six chicken houses, beef herds, and farm equipment repair shop. During the summer of 2019, I worked for the SC Department of Agriculture in the Marketing Department. I am a Clemson University graduate with a degree in Agricultural Education. I soon hope to teach and inspire the next generation of agriculturalists and agriculture advocators.”
How did you hear about the Ag Safety Program?
MS: I was a counselor for the Commissioner’s School for Agriculture during the summer of 2019. One of the stops we made with the students was to McAdams Hall to hear from Mr. Massey and guest speakers about the importance of safety in all fields of agriculture. The students had the opportunity to see demonstrations, listen and speak to professionals who work to keep transportation of agriculture materials and goods safe and receive an ag safety kit. Then, when the Ag Safety course was first offered at Clemson in the fall of 2019, I took the class, where I learned about all aspects of agricultural safety.
How important is it for farmers and other people in agriculture to be safe?
MS: Extremely! For our farmers and other people in agriculturists to continue working in our field at their best, we must have them do so safely. When there are stories of farmers and others injuring themselves, or worse, it could deter individuals from applying and working in the field. We must keep our workers safe to also have lower costs, project a positive image, and promote the health and wellbeing of our employees and their families.
How often do you run across the topic of safety in your position?
MS: As future agriculture teachers, we are big on safety in our classroom and for our students at home. When we teach our students how to work equipment, use fuels or chemicals, or handle animals, we must teach them the safe and proper way, not only for liability reasons of the school but also to instill in them the right way to handle a situation. It is easier to set them on the right path rather than try to “unteach” them the not-so-safe methods they may have picked up. Also, if we show and explain to our students the safe way to handle equipment, chemicals, animals, or any other aspects of agriculture, they can go home or to their jobs and show others the proper way.
What is the most significant way to leave an impression on the middle to high school-age children?
MS: I believe the most significant way to leave an impression on young adults is to show them. It could be done by showing them injuries caused by unsafe practices, viewing and pointing out the safety signage and systems on equipment, and handling the equipment, animals, materials, etc. Any way you can get the students’ attention by catching them off guard from what they are generally used to and providing them with hands-on experience is by far the best way to leave an impression on middle and high school students.
What is the most significant concern teaching adults about safety precautions?
MS: Part of an agriculture teacher’s responsibilities is also adult education. For the topic of safety and adults, I believe the biggest issue is to unteach what some individuals have been doing for the past 20 to 40 years. It is hard to break those habits, especially when we ask them to take extra time and resources, but it is so worth it. It is crucial to have others share their stories of when tragedy struck because of unsafe practices to wake them up and show that people can be injured or killed when situations in agriculture are not handled safely.
Submitted by Mariah Swygert
