Category: Safety Spotlight

Pete Wilson

Hometown: Lowrys, SC

Position: Partner at Cotton Hills Farm

After graduating from Clemson University in 2008, I returned to my family’s farm in Chester County. We grow a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables along with cotton and cereal rye. My time is spent focusing on the production of our crops with an eye towards improving quality and increasing yields each season. In recent years, our farm has made improvements in all types of irrigation for high value crops. We have implemented innovative methods for improved crop production and tackled challenging issues such as a reliable workforce and predictable markets. Cotton Hills Farm has seasonal retail markets filled with our own fresh produce at our farm location in Lowrys, in the City of Chester, and near Interstate 77 at exit 65 in Richburg.

How often do you run across the topic of agricultural safety in your position?
Practicing farm safety is essential for the success of our farm. Left unchecked, farm hazards can be found in many places on a farm. These hazards can range from poor lighting in work areas to missing safety shields and even to situations with careless or inexperienced operators on farm equipment. Safety must always be on everyone’s minds.

How important is it for farmers and other people in agriculture to be safe?
Oftentimes, it seems corners get cut trying to save time. For example, instead of going back to the shop for more blocks when jacking up a piece of equipment, it is easy to have a “that’s good enough” attitude. However, when the ground gives way and the piece of heavy equipment falls then even more time is wasted trying to fix the problem. If someone gets hurt when the blocks fail, then suddenly time is the last thing that matters. It is never a good idea to cut corners to try to save a few minutes. Cutting corners may work a few times but eventually, it will catch up to any of us.

Why is safety necessary?
As a fruit and vegetable farmer, I realize that I could not grow and harvest this type of food without my workforce. I want my farm to have a good work environment for my employees and I care about each one. Keeping them safe along with the rest of the farm family is something that I personally care about.

What is the biggest way to leave an impression on middle to high school age children?
Without a doubt, the best way to teach safety is to show safety with hands-on activities. Even with my five-year-old son, I have found that it works best to show him the danger and also make the effort to explain to him why it is a danger. Telling him that mufflers can burn him is helpful but actually showing him an exhaust pipe and letting him see that it is hot and why it matters helps him to retain that knowledge.

What does your position do to mitigate accidents on the job?
Leading by example is a great way to show others what it means to practice safety. At the farm, I find myself always looking for hazards and making a point to correct them as soon as possible. It is also important to supervise and frequently check up on employees and make sure they are properly trained for the jobs at hand.

Adam J. Kantrovich

Hometown: Des Plaines, IL

Position: Extension Specialist – Agribusiness, Director of Clemson Extension Tax School, Asst. Director of the Clemson Cooperative Extension Agribusiness Team

I work with farmers, landowners, the timber industry, and others within the agricultural industry specializing in farm financial management, ag labor policy issues, farm succession, transition, and estate planning; Affordable Care Act compliance, and Farm Stress and Mental Health.

What has been your level of involvement in the Clemson University Ag Safety program?
It has been limited up to this point. But have begun working with Farm Stress and Mental Health area when I was still with Michigan State University Extension, which for me is a part of the larger Ag Safety area and should be thought of as such.

How important is it for farmers and other people in agriculture be safe?
This is an extremely important a part of farm life and living in a rural community. But we need to expand on the idea that Ag or Farm Safety is only a prevention of physical, physiological injury or death, but needs to include the mental health of our farmers, farm families, landowners, and others.

How often do you run across the topic of agricultural safety in your position?
This is a regular issue, every time I step onto a farm property, because of what I typically do, I immediately begin to assess my surroundings about the farmstead, reviewing the facilities, the livestock, etc. There are many issues on a farm that can easily cause injury. Along with the normal day-to-day activities of farming, comes a normal level of stress, but unfortunately for the past 5 or 6 years there has been a number of other variables that has affected many farmers that has increased the stress level which has begun to affect many mentally.

What do you think the biggest concern is regarding agricultural safety?
Beyond the normal working around machinery and equipment, grain facilities, and livestock, one of the largest issues is the mental health and wellbeing of farmers, farm families and landowners. Under prolong high stress times, stress can begin to have a negative effect on a person’s body physically and physiologically. Making an individual more susceptible to becoming ill through a lowered immune response system, cardiac issues, and more susceptible to making errors when working around machinery and or livestock causing injury or death due to their minds being taken up by thinking about their financial situation or other issues that might be present.

How can/are SC Agriwellness and CU Ag Safety working together to improve in this area?
First and foremost, by raising awareness about the situation. Second, by educating everyone that we can that being under stress can cause many other issues in one’s life on the farm and that it is okay to seek assistance from a professional Mental Health Professional. By simply talking to someone about what is going on, what a farmer may be going through and thinking about is by itself helpful for many. Third, providing information about the resources available through the SC Agriwellness program for those in South Carolina Agriculture.

Why is safety necessary? You share any personal experiences if you are willing?
Farming is an extremely satisfying profession and lifestyle, but it does come with its many risks, some of which we can control, and many others that we cannot. But when things begin to turn negative due to crops destroyed, low prices or the higher cost of inputs and money begins to get tight, we begin to become stressed and begin to think about possible solutions which unfortunately may lead to marriage problems, substance abuse, and or thoughts of taking one’s life. I have seen the impacts to a farm family due to suicide within the family. In many cases this creates additional issues for the farm and farm family and does not necessarily resolve the underlying issues that created the stress in the first place.

What do you think is the best way to teach agricultural safety?
Teach by doing and lead by example.

Describe the impacts that a safety intervention can have on children.
Prevention of losing a limb, a life, the possibility of being able to pass the farm to the next generation.

What is the biggest way to leave an impression the agricultural community?
Having a personal connection and building trust one person at a time.

What can be done to spread awareness about safety issues?
Never stop teaching and providing little educational “nuggets” whenever someone can.

Do you have any advice for the agricultural sector in this time of uncertainty?
There is nothing wrong asking for help. Contact someone for assistance, whether that be a family member, a neighbor, an Extension agent or staff member or anyone else that can provide assistance. Whether they are the one that can provide the assistance needed or help you in reaching the resource that you need.

Charlie Westbrook

Hometown: Rock Hill, SC

Position: Owner of Cherry Place Farm

I farm with my son, Charlie III, and my daughter, Bailey. Charlie graduated from Clemson (Ag. Mech. ’17), and Bailey graduated from Anderson University ’20.  We grow Strawberries in the Spring and produce in the Summer. We run a Corn Maze/ Pumpkin Patch in the Fall and sell Christmas trees/wreaths in the Winter.

How often do you run across the topic of agricultural safety in your position?
Because we are primarily an Agritourism farm, safety is essential. I deal with some form of safety almost every day. Whether it’s spreading Fire Ant bait, spraying chemicals on crops, smoothing walking areas to decrease tripping hazards, or working on equipment, safety factors into all areas of agriculture.

What do you think the biggest concern is regarding agricultural safety?
In my opinion, people today are very removed from what it takes to farm or be around farming.

What is the biggest way to leave an impression on middle to high school age children?
One thing that can be very effective for training school-age children is to hold Farm safety day camps in the summertime. We have hosted several over the years that were connected to Clemson Extension and Progressive Farmer.

What does your position do to mitigate accidents on the job?
We do to educate the public about safety is to place signage in places that will be easily seen. Also, we train employees to communicate with visitors about being safe while there.

What is the biggest concern teaching adults about safety precautions?
Agricultural safety does not have to be scary for people; there just needs to be an understanding that when you are at a farm, be aware of your surroundings, and it will keep you safe.

Aaron Turner

Hometown: Silver City, NM

Position: Assistant Professor, Ag. Mech. and Business

I’m an assistant professor in the Agricultural Sciences Department at Clemson, and I teach in the Ag. Mech. and Business program. My interest in agriculture started when I was an undergraduate student at NMSU. I was working part-time in the college’s machine shop, and there was a lot of specialty crop mechanization research going on at the time. Through that, I got connected to the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), and I was hooked! From there, I went on to get an M.S. and Ph.D. in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering from the University of Kentucky. My current research program includes engineering aspects of harvesting and post-harvest processing systems (handling, drying, and storage). This includes the physical properties of bulk materials and how agricultural data can be leveraged to improve the efficiency and sustainability of production.

How important is it for farmers and other people in agriculture to be safe?
Safety should be the number one priority. It’s tempting to take shortcuts sometimes, but everyone deserves to go home safe at the end of the day.

How often do you run across the topic of agricultural safety in your position?
I don’t come across safety very frequently. However, I do cover safety related to working around stored grain facilities in one of my courses. Like many other agricultural jobs, working around these facilities involves being around equipment (tractors, augers, conveyors, etc.). However, there are additional hazards associated with working at heights and confined space entry/grain engulfment. Unfortunately, there are several fatalities at grain facilities each year.

What do you think the biggest concern is regarding agricultural safety?
My biggest concern regarding agricultural safety is the long-term impact it can have on our aging producer population. Thirty-six percent of producers in SC were over 65 in 2017, and normal things associated with aging (hearing/vision loss, slower reaction times, arthritis) make this group several times more likely to have a farm-related injury. This group also has a longer recovery time, so interventions that can help keep this group working safely are good.

Describe the impacts that a safety intervention can have on children.
I think this is one of the areas that could have the most significant impact, even if it is somewhat intangible. Setting an example for what working safely looks like and instilling good habits early would have life-long benefits. This extends beyond interventions with children to the adults who are setting the example.

How do you handle a safety concern among your employees?
In a university research setting, you rely heavily on student help, and the tasks are often unique to a given project. This makes it essential to talk through the work, so everyone is comfortable. It’s important to make sure everyone involved is familiar with the dangers associated with whatever equipment they will be using and stress the importance of asking for help if something feels off. I also provide adequate PPE and ensure no one works alone if there are any potential safety issues.

Charles V Privette, III

Hometown: Pendleton, SC

Position: Department Chair, Agricultural Sciences

I grew up on a small beef cattle farm in Pendleton, SC, where my dad worked with Clemson Extension as their Irrigation Specialist. I then, in turn, would travel with him as a kid to farms and field days across the state. This then led to me following in his footsteps and obtaining my undergraduate degree in Agricultural Engineering from Clemson University. I then went on to get my M.S. degree and gained employment with Clemson Extension. Then with the completion of my Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, I pursued a career in teaching and research with the Biosystems Engineering Department. From there, I am currently Department Chair for the Agricultural Sciences Department at Clemson University which houses the Agribusiness, Agricultural Education, and the Agricultural Mechanization and Business Programs.

How did you hear about the Ag Safety program?
When I originally started working for Clemson Extension Service in 1999, I was hired as the Farm Safety and Health Specialist. I was in that position until 2006. One of my main interests in that position, when I applied for it, was the fact that my own grandfather when I was young, died from a tractor rollover incident. He was putting in a stream crossing when his tractor rolled over and crushed him. Back then, ROPS were not that common, and many older tractors did not have them. I then moved on to other pursuits at Clemson in the areas of teaching and research, and my previous position went unfilled for many years. When I heard that an effort was back underway to reintroduce a farm safety program with the Extension Service, as my new role as Department Chair, I fully endorsed it.

How important is it for farmers and other people in agriculture to be safe?
Safety is one of those things most folks don’t really think about. We do the same job/function over and over but never experience the negative consequences of our improper actions. It then only takes that one time, and things change. Safety programs are that reminder about how we should operate.

How often do you run across the topic of agricultural safety in your position?
After serving in the role as an ag safety specialist, it seems I still run across this topic on a routine basis, whether it be with education outreach or with previous students or acquaintances that suffer from some incident that involves them. These have ranged from minor injuries, loss of limbs to even death.

What do you think the biggest concern is regarding agricultural safety?
I would say one of the biggest concerns with ag safety is that it is something that is typically kept on the top shelf. We acknowledge it, but we do not make it an active part of our day-to-day life.

Is there enough being done about teaching agricultural safety across the state of South Carolina?
From my experience with ag safety, even when I was getting things started back in the early 2000s, I always felt there was more I should be doing. The topic of ag safety is not just pertinent to one group of people. It covers all of us, whether we are young kids to older adults. The topics under ag safety are also not just for farmers. Most of the subject matter applies to many homeowners/landowners as well.

Are there any suggestions on how it can be improved?
There are many programs and curriculum already out there devoted to ag safety. The problem is getting that material in front of people in a meaningful way. Having an active safety program that provides age-appropriate training/demonstrations/awareness is important.

Describe the impacts that a safety intervention can have on children.
Over the years, one of the most interesting things I saw with children or youth safety programming is that it was actually a great way to also educate parents. When children would learn something, oftentimes, they then would start asking their parents “safety” questions which then, in turn, would educate their parents. After a child was picked up from a safety day camp, oftentimes, parents would immediately ask, “What did you learn?” I found that these day camps for kids were not only a great way to have interactive learning for kids but also a great way to educate their parents.

What is the biggest concern teaching adults about safety precautions?
In my years of working with ag safety, one of the biggest challenges in working with adults is changing safety behavior. After doing things a certain way for many years, we become accustomed to our routines. One may have grown up riding on one’s grandfather’s lap on their tractor, and now we allow our grandchildren to ride on our laps. This could even be a lawnmower. Changing this kind of behavior when it has kind of become the norm is difficult. One avenue I used to take advantage of was when I presented at various farmer meetings; I liked to invite not only the farmer but their spouse as well. When I talked about various safety issues and the associated risk, I oftentimes related it to having insurance. Most folks could relate to insurance, and so, therefore, the connection between ag safety and injury/death was more real. This oftentimes caught the spouse’s attention more than the farmer, who had always done something the same way for many years even though it may not have been safe. Ag Safety programs are that great reminder or little voice in our heads that can keep us from becoming a statistic.

Michael Plumblee

Hometown: Aiken, SC

Position: Corn and Soybean Extension Specialist

I am an Assistant Professor in Plant and Environmental Sciences at Clemson University and I am the Corn and Soybean Extension Specialist covering the state of SC. I work with farmers, Extension agents, and other stakeholders on issues related to corn and soybean agronomics, as well as conduct applied research to support and update recommendations on products, new technologies, and production practices. I grew up in Lexington, SC, where I worked around the Agricultural Irrigation Industry with my father. Throughout most of high school and college, I worked on my cousin’s farm in Newberry, SC, where we grew cotton, corn, soybean, wheat, bermudagrass hay, beef cattle, and turkeys. I attended Clemson University and majored in Ag. Mech. Upon graduating from Clemson, I pursued an M.S. at the University of Georgia in Tifton in Agronomy, where I worked with corn and peanut. From there, I went to Mississippi State University and completed my Ph.D. in Agronomy, working in cotton. Since May of 2018, I have been working for Clemson University at the Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville, SC.

How did you hear about the Ag Safety program?
I heard about the Ag Safety program through SC Farm Bureau at the Young Farmers and Ranchers Meeting, where Hunter Massey at Clemson University shared his involvement with developing programs and demonstrations about agricultural safety.

How often do you run across the topic of agricultural safety in your position?
I do not come across agricultural safety very much in my position. With pesticide applicators, safety is emphasized with applicator training, but that is about it. I do not hear or see much about machinery safety at all. Fortunately, over the last several years, the equipment has become somewhat safer to be around with safety switches, shields, etc. however, there is still a lot of older equipment being used in the state of SC.

Why is safety necessary?
Safety is necessary because that will ultimately lead to the longevity of agriculture. If we have a dangerous career, it will likely discourage others from pursuing jobs, it will increase regulation on machinery manufacturing and chemical/pesticide use and handling, and be an overall bad thing for agriculture in general. Consumers seem to want to buy products that were grown in good conditions, which also applies to safe work environments.

What do you think is the best way to teach agricultural safety?
I think the best way to teach agricultural safety is in person demonstrations of what can happen to you in specific scenarios and visually showing people the end results of accidents. Once you have seen the result of an accident, it is something that you will not forget.

How do you handle a safety concern among your employees?
I hold one on one safety training with my employees at the beginning of the employment to discuss the dangers of specific equipment and products that they may encounter while on the job. I am very upfront with them that something can happen very quickly and that you must always be alert and aware of your surroundings. More important, if you are unsure of something, always stop and ask for assistance.

Jalen Wilkerson

Hometown: Seneca, SC

Position: Owner of Wilkerson Lawn Care

“Agriculture has been a big part of my life, I have always enjoyed everything about agriculture. However, I was not sure how I wanted to contribute to the industry. I started a landscaping company while I was in high school, my SAE was landscape and landscape design.”

How important is it for farmers and other people in agriculture be safe?
Our agriculture workers need to be safe because we do not have much time to spare. Time is money. Also, if our farmers are not safe, our harvest days could be affected. Which can lead to a shortage of supplies due to our demands.

How are employees trained to stay safe on the job?
My employees are trained to take their time. However, accidents are gonna still happen. Our job is to just limit that number. I feel that things happen when we rush. It’s essential to take your time and pay attention to our surroundings and what we are doing.

What do you think is the best way to teach agricultural safety?
The best way to teach agriculture safety is by letting one do things that they will do daily. Running equipment is always the biggest fear. Most machines in the industry are very powerful units. One must know how to operate the machine before going to complete a task.

How did you hear about the Ag Safety program?
I have the great pleasure of knowing some people that support agriculture as well as ag safety that attend Clemson University. They have informed me of ag safety’s importance and some things we face on jobs.

What is the biggest way to leave an impression on middle to high school age children?
The most significant way to leave an impression on a middle school / high school student is to get them to understand that anything can happen. Often, being young, we feel as if certain things can not and would not occur. However, anything can happen. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Sandy Lovern

Hometown: Fort Lawn, SC

Position: Owner of Lovern Greenhouses

“When I was younger, I never thought that agriculture was going to be the path I chose in life, but when I moved to South Carolina, that is where I ended up. I found myself in the greenhouse at my high school, and that is where it all started. I have been involved in horticulture for going on 40 years. Along the way, I have worked in many areas of horticulture. I have worked on golf courses, in greenhouses, at a florist, and done landscaping at amusement parks. Later in life, I decided to open my own business, and I have owned it for 25 years. Through my business, I have gotten to meet very many people involved in agriculture and gotten to experience many great things.”

How did you hear about the Ag Safety program?
I heard about the Ag Safety program from my daughter, who is attending Clemson and works with the Ag Safety program.

How important is it for farmers and other people in agriculture to be safe?
I think it is essential for farmers and other people in agriculture to be safe. I feel that the agricultural sector often gets overlooked when it comes to safety and wellbeing, but this should not be the case. If we did not have these vital people, our world as we know it would come to a standstill. Because of this, I feel that safety in agriculture and farming is one of the most important things.

What do you think the biggest concern is regarding agricultural safety?
I think the biggest concern regarding agricultural safety is lawn mower safety. In my hometown, tractors are not very common, but lawnmowers are. Everywhere you look, someone is riding around cutting their grass or others’ grass. Often, those riding the lawnmowers are younger kids just trying to make a few extra dollars. Because of this, I feel that everyone needs to understand how to safely operate a lawnmower to mitigate injuries.

What do you think is the best way to teach agricultural safety?
I think the best way to teach agricultural safety is to have lots of hands-on demonstrations. Growing up, I always learned better when activities were hands-on. When exercises are hands-on, those participating get a real sense of the topic, making it more applicable.

What do you do to stay safe during the workday?
To stay safe during the workday, I always make sure that I understand how to operate the equipment before I begin using it. I was involved in an accident with gas-powered hedge trimmers in my younger days and cut my finger off. After this experience, I always make sure that I am aware of my surroundings and fully understand how to operate my equipment.

Jacob Koch, as part of his master’s research, has become Associate Director in the Agricultural Safety Program through Clemson University’s Agricultural Sciences Department. The program builds demonstrations to travel around the state visiting Clemson Research and Education Centers to conduct Ag Safety Days and teach middle to high school age kids about different aspects of farm safety.

Prior to, and throughout his college career, he has been involved with many different agricultural occupations. He currently serves as owner-operator of a firewood business, lawn chemical application business, and a small row-crop and wildlife food-plot business. Prior to engaging in these activities, Jacob operated a small lawn care business for many years. In 2016 and 2017, Jacob worked for Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) as an intern at a Great Lakes shipping terminal elevator in Toledo, OH, and a barge loading elevator in St. Louis, MO. All of these experiences have exposed him to a wide variety of agricultural tasks which have given him a very strong ability to recognize and deal with the hazards associated with those tasks. With ADM, Jacob worked closely with the Safety Division to identify hazards in the workplace, implement engineering controls, and deliver safety training to employees on a regular basis to mitigate the exposure to and frequency of hazards and incidents in the workplace.

How did you get involved with this program?
JK: I started working on this project as part of my project for my Master’s degree. I am also helping to build an Ag Safety Handbook showing guidelines and tips about different equipment and systems found on and around the farm.

What is your favorite part of the Ag Safety program?
JK: My favorite part would probably be seeing the kids take an interest and their expressions when they learn something new at these Safety Days. They’re an entertaining sort and their questions the day a whole lot of fun while still being educational. I also like seeing all the different local groups come out and support these days with as much enthusiasm as we put into them too.

Why do you think it is important to teach children about farm safety?
JK: They’re bright and realize a lot of the dangers of these situations on their own, but sometimes don’t always understand all the implications associated. It is important to show that maybe the way they currently do things isn’t the safest and that there are alternatives to get the same jobs done in a safer manner.

What do you see happening to this program in the future?
JK: Hopefully we can get this program to expand even further statewide. We hope to expand it across multiple age brackets and even to the adult world where maybe we can get something going with a farm safety credit towards insurance companies. Also, with building more demonstrations it can become an even more well-rounded program and entity.

Submitted by Jacob Koch

Justin Ables owns and manages a 5th generation family farm with his dad. Justin lives on the farm with his wife and 3-year-old son. The family farm consists of 10 poultry houses, cattle, and row crop operations. They grow wheat, soybeans, and corn along with hay. Justin graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Agricultural Mechanization and Business. In 2017, Justin was involved in a rollover tractor accident that changed his outlook on farm safety.

How did you hear about Clemson’s Agricultural Safety program?
JA: I was asked to serve on a near-death farm experience panel at a Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Conference that Hunter Massey [Director of Clemson Agricultural Safety] moderated. He spoke on the new Clemson program and gave me some handouts on the program.

Why is safety advocacy important?
JA: The agricultural industry as a whole is a very dangerous occupation to be in. Many times we as farmers take for granted the risks associated with everyday tasks that we do. Specifically for me, having children has changed my outlook. If promoting safety stops one accident from occurring then it has worked.

Do you think early intervention efforts in youth will help promote a safer future in the field of agriculture?
JA: I do believe the early intervention will help just to make youth aware of the dangers they may experience in agriculture. For me, I grew up on the farm and was taught from an early age the right way to do certain tasks on the farm. Now that I am a father, I try to teach my son the same exact principles that I learned throughout my career.

What barriers do you think currently exist that prevent farmers and others from being as safe as possible?
JA: I wouldn’t call it barriers, but in my opinion, most farmers are always pushed for time. We are under pressure to get certain tasks completed due to external factors. This leads to long hours on machinery, which leads to fatigue. Another issue is simple tasks that we do every day and just become careless.

Do you have any personal connections surrounding the issues of agricultural safety?
JA: I was involved in a rollover tractor accident in 2017. An SUV hit me almost head-on, resulting in me rolling down the road in the tractor. Thankfully I walked away without any injuries.

What do you think can be done to spread awareness about safety issues?
JA: Just talking about it and promoting through workshops and other events. Get those that have been involved in an agricultural accident to tell their stories.

Submitted by Justin Ables