Safety News and Other Moos

 

Have you ever felt a sense of hopelessness while stuck behind a large piece of farm equipment? Impatience? Anxiety? If you have it’s because you live in a place where there is ongoing agricultural activity. Like Howard County. This video explains the challenges of moving large farm equipment and what happens when impatient drivers try to circumvent the wait.

These behemoths cannot go fast and they must use the same roads that we do. And, let’s face it, a world without farm equipment getting in our way is also a world without food. 

Yikes.

The video imtroduces a safety-inspired acronym for drivers in these situations: SAM.

Slow down. Assessment your surroundings. Move with caution.

It must be something about the way I was raised, but every time I even contemplate crossing a double yellow line on the road a little voice inside me says, “If you cross a yellow line you will die.” Apparently not everyone was raised this way.

Of course, that’s easy for me to say since these days I’m rarely on rural roads behind slow farm equipment. What do you think? How do you handle these situations?

Here’s something else agricultural that caught my eye recently:

A group called The Howard County FFA Alumni and Supporters is organizing the first inclusive dairy show, “AG for All” at the Howard County Fair on August 9th.  They’re looking for students with disabilities, ages 11-18, who have a passion for large animals. 

Participating students will learn the basics of dairy showmanship through practicing with and exhibiting dairy calves. They will be assisted by volunteers who have animal handling expertise. 

If you are interested in learning more you can contact the name listed on the poster above. Please note: the QR code has expired, so email is best. 

As for me, my sole experience with farm animals (or perhaps just the most memorable one) was the day a cow snuck up on me at the Maryland State Fair and sighed rather heavily in my ear. I screamed. Much hilarity ensured for onlookers. 

Have a wonderful Monday. 

Village Green/Town² Comments