Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Farm Safety is no accident.  Long hours and heavy equipment make for the best conditions to have accidents happen, but they don't have to.  This time of the year, well in advance of spring work is the perfect time to plan for the coming year, and SAFETY should be a big part of that plan.  It is very easy to convince yourself "it won't happen to me" and you may even think theres nothing that can be done in advance, but I'll say your wrong if thats your approach to a safe farm.

Had a close call last summer that illustrates the situation well.  I was in a hurry to hook up to an old three furrow plough to finish off the corners and around some utility towers in the wheat field.  The problem with the plough was the hitch pins were too short for my tractor, so I had to lock the three point hitch bars in place to sandwich the plough into place.  I had changed out one of the pins, but the second is part of a weldment and can't be replaced without cutting off the old one and welding a new pin in place.  Since this repair/modification would take a good part of a day and a access to a lathe, I didn't bother.  

Fortunately I wear steel toed boots/shoes almost all the time.  While hooking onto the plough, and struggling to latch in the stabilizer links on the three point hitch, the plough fell onto my foot.  Had I not been wearing those safety shoes, I would have three less toes today.  The shank came down squarely across my shoe and rolled onto my foot.  The pinch behind the steel toe was enough to break a toe bone and cut through the skin.  Also fortunately I was strong enough to lift the plough off my foot to get free.

This is no story of how proper safety equipment saved a trip to hospital, but rather a warning for all the things I neglected and missed.  Who knew I was hooking up equipment to even look for me if I was in trouble?  Why didn't I have my cell phone handy when working alone? Why did I not ask for help from my wife for the few minutes it would take?  And why didn't i fix this issue last winter, I knew it had to be done.  The entire situation was avoidable.

Now think back to those quick fixes you made in the field to get the job done, have you gone back over that equipment to finish the repair.  I am no saint when it comes to this, that pair of vise-grips clamped on the the adjustment thread for the one wheel of the cultivator is still there.  What will happen when that finally falls off, if I'm lucky I will work some ground a bit too deep or shallow, if I am less lucky while walking by the wheel will swing down and strike me.  Its a trip to the hardware store for a nut and 5 minutes to fix.  But when spring comes, its time to be in the field, not driving around looking for nuts and bolts.  

I will do myself a big favour and walk around my equipment over the next few weeks.  My goal, fix one issue every weekend.  At that rate, come spring all the little issues will be taken care of, and although the safety shoes will still be worn, I won't be planning on relying them.  If something looks dangerous, it probably is, take the time to make it safe when have the time, then you won't put yourself at risk, for no reason, later. 

Views: 152

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Leif Carlson Named Vice President, Markets and Trade 

Cereals Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Leif Carlson to the position of Vice President, Markets and Trade, effective immediately. In this role, Carlson will lead efforts to expand and protect global market opportunities for Canada’s cereal crops. “Leif’s expertise, commitment to agriculture, and proven leadership continue to strengthen the Canadian cereals value chain,” said Dean Dias, Chief Executive Officer of Cereals Canada. “His leadership in this role will support dependable market access and sustained global demand for Canadian wheat, durum, barley, and oats.” In his previous role as Director of Market Intelligence and Trade Policy, Carlson championed the promotion of Canadian cereals and helped protect the interests of the value chain in global markets. Since September 2025, he has also represented the sector as a Director with the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), advocating for fair and predictable trade. Carlson holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a

Canada’s Ag Day: Celebrating Farmers Who Grow Their Best for the World

Every year, Canadian farmers combine expertise and innovation to grow their best for the world. Their commitment ensures that Canada continues to deliver wheat that meets the needs of millers, bakers, and consumers here at home and in over eighty countries around the globe. As we celebrate Canada’s Ag Day, we’re proud to recognize the dedication of the people whose work feeds families, supports our economy, strengthens rural communities, and helps sustain Canada’s reputation as a trusted supplier of high-quality wheat. Highly valued for its high protein content, milling performance, and ability to produce great tasting foods—from breads and noodles to pastries and breakfast cereals—Canadian wheat is a top choice for millers and food manufacturers in more than 80 countries. Find out what makes Canadian wheat amongst the best in the world at Canadian Wheat—Quality You Can See and Taste

Grain sector warns of information gaps in AAFC research reductions, calls for immediate program impact disclosure

Grain Growers of Canada is calling on the federal government to provide clarity on the impacts of recent staffing reductions and announced closures or consolidations of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research facilities, stating that downstream consequences cannot be assessed without clear, program-level information. “Transparency is essential when decisions affect the foundation of Canada’s agricultural research system,” said Scott Hepworth, chair of Grain Growers of Canada and Saskatchewan grain farmer. “Without clear disclosure of what research capacity is being reduced or eliminated, the sector cannot understand the long-term risks to production and competitiveness,” he added. “It must be clear what capacity is being lost, where, and with what consequences.” Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has cited personnel confidentiality in limiting details on the announced changes. Grain Growers of Canada emphasized that while personnel confidentiality must be respected, it does not,

New Leadership Team Named at OFVGA

Ontario’s fruit and vegetable association appoints a new chair and vice chair to lead advocacy, manage challenges, and support growers across the horticulture industry.

CRSB Launches Certified Beef Producer Incentive Program

CRSB launches a new incentive program offering 400 dollars to certified beef producers in 2026 to reward sustainable practices and strengthen Canada’s responsible beef supply chain.

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service