Alberta (Rural Roots Canada) – AgSafe Alberta has launched the fourth and final stage of its Farmers Care program.

The goal of the Farmers Care program is to provide valuable safety information in an easy-to-digest format, avoiding the major time commitments that typically come with other safety courses.

“Farmers Care is a great way for farmers and ranchers to start building a culture of safety on their operations,” says AgSafe Alberta chair Ian Chitwood. “With a very small investment of time, you can learn critical information and strategies that have the potential to prevent serious injuries and save lives.”

In Level 4, the focus is on dealing with emergencies. Farmers and ranchers will be introduced to emergency action plans and other considerations to help improve farm safety during an emergency.

Jody Wacowich, Executive Director of AgSafe Alberta, says whether it’s wildfires or flooding, you need to have a plan to deal with an emergency, and not just for the animals.

“We need to make sure we’re looking after the people,” stresses Wacowich. “Are we making sure they get out? Are we protecting their lungs when they’re trying to do the work that we’re asking them to do when there’s thick, smoky air? If somebody has to come in and start looking for animals after a tornado, have we made sure the area is safe for them to even be there?”

READ MORE: ‘It Rolled Right Over Me’: A Brush With Death and a Fresh Perspective

Wacowich adds since launching the program in 2021, hundreds of farmers and ranchers across the province have taken part. “It’s an important first step towards making their operations safer places to live and work.”

Once the training is completed, you will receive a personalized certificate from AgSafe Alberta, and have access to review the information as many times as you like.

You can learn more about all the levels of the Farmers Care program by visiting AgSafeAB.ca