2026 Ag Week

The Vermilion Voice | March 10, 2026

Lorna Hamilton

11

Recognizing Our Agricultural Community

the job can take a toll not only on the producers are adopting new technoloIn rural communities like Vermilion, body but on mental well-being as well. gies that improve both efficiency and agriculture is deeply rooted in our idenAs Canada obser ves Agricultural During busy seasons such as seeding safety on the farm. From improved tity. Many farms have been operated by Safety Week from March 15 to 21, it is an and harvest, fatigue can easily set in, equipment design to better safety train- the same families for generations, and important time to recognize the farmers increasing the likelihood of accidents ing and awareness programs, organi- their commitment to the land and their who play such a vital role in communities and injuries on the farm. zations like the Canadian Agricultural livestock remains as strong as ever. like Vermilion and the surrounding area.

T h e r e a r e a l s o m a n y p h y s i c a l Safety Association continue to promote Their dedication deserves our appreciaOur local grain and livestock producers hazards farmers face every day. Grain practical resources that help farmers tion, but more importantly, it deserves work tirelessly to provide the food and operations involve powerful machinery, reduce risk while maintaining produc- continued attention to safety. resources that sustain both our region augers, and grain bins that require care- tive operations.

As Agricultural Safet y Week and the country as a whole. Agricultural ful attention and safe operating proceAgricultural Safety Week is also an approaches, let us take time to thank Safety Week also serves as a reminder dures. Livestock producers work closely opportunity for communities to reflect the farmers who work hard every day that the work behind that production with large animals that can behave on how we can support the people who to keep our communities fed and our comes with real risks and challenges. unpredictably, making everyday tasks feed us. That support can take many economy moving forward. By continuing Farming has always required resil- such as feeding, handling, and moving forms, from being patient and cautious to promote awareness, encourage safe ience, but in today’s world the pressures cattle potentially dangerous if proper when sharing rural roads with farm practices, and support one another, we on producers continue to grow. Long precautions are not taken. equipment to recognizing the impor- can help ensure that those who work the hours, changing markets, unpredictable At the same time, the agricultural tance of conversations around mental land return home safely to their families weather, and the physical demands of industr y continues to evolve. Many health in agriculture. at the end of each day.

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The Vermilion Voice | March 10, 2026

Preparing Your Farm For Wildfire Season

Canadian Agricultural Safety Association hectares. to mitigate the spread of fire through- fuel source. Certain materials, such Submitted Which is why being prepared for out the farm property. As part of a fire as metal siding, stucco, and cinder Considering that Canada borders wildfires, wherever you are, is essen- mitigation strategy, identify priority blocks, are good at withstanding radithree oceans, spans six time zones, tial. That’s exactly the message that areas on the farm and start by reduc- ant heat from fire. For direct flame, a n d h a s d i v e r s e t e r r a i n , i t ’s n o FireSmart Canada, a national program ing ember traps in those areas. This eliminating a path for fire to reach a s u r p r i s e t h a t a r a n g e o f n a t u r a l that helps Canadians increase neigh- may include clearing excess vegeta- structure is imperative to avoid ignihazards can affect farms across the bourhood resilience to wildfire and mini- tion, moving dr y hay and feed stor- tion. Even something as simple as country at any given time. While one mize its negative impacts, wants to raise age away from other structures, and opening gates to disrupt a potential part of the country may be in a severe awareness about. covering openings to prevent embers pathway c an be ad vant ag eous for d r o u g ht , a n ot h er m ay ex p er i e n c e Below are some of FireSmart Cana- from entering. avoiding direct flame ignition. record floods. da’s recommendations and tips to “ When fo lks hear ab out wil d fire The defensible space B u t r e g a r d l e s s o f t h e l o c a t i o n , reduce a farm’s vulnerability to wildfire. that has happened in communities While wildfires are alarming and one hazard has become an all-too- Forms of ignition [and question] why did this house frightening, the good news is that varic ommon threat during the warmer Understanding the different forms of burn and not this house, there is a ous steps can be taken, and involving months: wildfires. ignition — embers, radiant heat, and lot of information that shows that the minimal cost and time, to help mitiJust look at Canada’s 2023 wildfire direct flame — is essential for identify- houses were impacted because there gate wildfire impact on a farm propseason, which was the most destruc- ing where fires might start on a farm and were certain things close to the struc- erty. tive on record. By the end of 2023, how they could spread. ture that then caused the fire to be The first step is to create a “defenmore than 6,000 fires had burned 15 With embers, which can travel several immediately close to [the house],” sible space” by clearing a 1.5 metre million hectares of land, which, to put kilometres, the most significant risks are explained Ken Cox, a wildfire preven- non-combustible area around a farm’s it in perspective, is substantially more ember traps, such as grass, branches, tion of ficer with the Depar tment of buildings to prevent fire from spreading than the annual average of 2.5 million needles, and other fine fuels, which are Natural Resources in Nova Scotia, to them. Cox called this the “first line the main way that fire spreads to and during a recent Canadian Agricultural of defence” for helping to protect any through farms. In fact, 80 to 90 per cent Safety Association forum. structure from a wildfire. “That space of structures lost during a wildfire are B o t h r a d i a n t h e a t a n d d i r e c t is the most influential on any kind of due to ember transport. flame require fuel pathways to travel potential for fire spread. The biggest Peas- AAC Carver, AAC Ardill The accumulation of combustible through a farm property. With radiant thing is that it’s not a very expensive Feed Barley- CDC Durango materials, dry vegetation, and other heat, fire spread occurs when a fire is thing to d o; it ’s g oing around and fin e fu e l s i s of te n in ev i t a b l e o n a burning hot enough, long enough, and cleaning up things like grass,” Cox CWRS- AAC Wheatland VB, farm. Still, it’s essential to take steps close enough to another structure or explained. Continued on page 13

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The Vermilion Voice | March 10, 2026 Continued from page 12 Outside of the immediate defensible space, it’s still important to take steps to eliminate fuel sources that could help a fire spread. In the intermediate zone from a structure (1.5 to 10 metres), look to reduce combustibles to expand the defensible space by pruning and thinning vegetation, raking, moving wood, etc. In the extended zone (10 to 30 metres), the focus is to reduce a fire’s intensity by removing dead or dying trees and mowing where possible.

Wildfire season checklist As wildfires become a more frequent and intense threat across Canada, being prepared before fire season starts is crucial. A comprehensive wildfire season checklist can help farmers take proactive steps to protect their property, livestock, and livelihoods.

1) Create a defensive space around structures. Ensure that this area does not have any materials that could allow a fire to get close to a structure.

2) Maintain equipment. Poorly maintained equipment is a fire waiting to happen, with ATVs, combines, and tractors among the primary potential fire sources on farms. “I was out west for a lot of my career, and we did get a lot of calls on farms due to equipment caught on fire with folks working in the fields,” said Cox. 3. Water access. It’s no surprise that having water available, or knowing where it is available nearby, is invaluable in the event of a fire. For certain buildings, it may also be worth considering installing sprinklers.

4. Have a fire plan. This is essential for every farm, regardless of its location. A fire plan, included as part of an emergency preparedness plan, helps emergency responders know the layout and potential hazards on a farm. Ensure it outlines evacuation plans, muster points, and procedures for handling livestock in a fire.

13

Supporting Women In Agriculture

5. Insurance. Before wildfire season, it’s best practice to ensure your insurance coverage is up to date and check for any policy exclusions regarding fire.

6. Monitor conditions. Keeping an eye on weather conditions and fire risk in and depression. your area is crucial for being prepared. CASA To foster a healthy balance between If you’re unsure of where to start with Submitted There’s no doubt that women are indis- agricultural tasks, family commitments, protecting your farm property from fire spread, FireSmart representatives are pensable when it comes to the strength and personal well-being, it’s essential to available in every province and terri- and success of farms across Canada. establish clear routines and responsibilitory to conduct site assessments. The However, despite the essential role of ties and promote open communication assessments involve an in-depth review women in agriculture, especially with well- among family members. Connecting with of a property, identification of potential ness and safety, their contributions often others and building a support network can help to navigate challenges and alleareas of concern, and recommenda- go unrecognized.

Women frequently take on “invis- viate feelings of isolation. tions for mitigating fire spread. InforBy coming together to support women mation about the FireSmart Canada ible work” around the farm and home, assessments is available at firesmart- juggling childcare, family obligations, and in agriculture, we can create more opporhousehold management in addition to tunities for future generations of farmers canada.ca.

While it’s impossible to eliminate all their farming responsibilities and poten- and ranchers.

This Canadian Agricultural Safety fire risks on a farm, taking a few proac- tially even work outside of the farm. This tive and preventative measures can demanding workload, coupled with the Week, let’s make farm safety a part of our make all the difference in avoiding a unique challenges faced by women in everyday. For more information, please devastating outcome if there is a fire agriculture, can lead to stress, burnout, visit agsafetyweek.ca near your farm’s property. For more farm safety information and resources, visit agsafetyweek.ca.

A b o u t C a n a d i a n Ag r i c u l t u r a l Safety Week Every year, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association raises awareness about the importance of farm safety with the Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW) campaign, which occurs during the third week of March. In 2026, CASW takes place March 15-21 and is sponsored by Syngenta Canada, CN, Canadian Canola Growers Association, and Parrish & Heimbecker.

About the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and safety of farmers, their families 1-888-489-0809 and agricultural workers. CASA is funded in part by the Sustainable Canadian Agriwww.hardyfinancial.ca cultural Partnership. For more information, visit www.casa-acsa.ca.

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The Vermilion Voice | March 10, 2026

Preventing Pinch Point Injuries On The Farm

Canadian Agricultural Safety Association they can easily result in severe injuries, around rotating parts. can actually increase the hazard (e.g., Submitted including fractures, amputations, crush • Having loose clothing, jewelry, or hair around rotating machinery).

Farms are bustling hubs of activity where injuries, and lacerations. And though pinch can easily get caught in moving parts.

• Keep work area floors dry and free of both powerful machinery and manual labour point incidents can affect any part of the • Operating machinery with missing or debris to prevent slips, trips, and falls. keep things running smoothly. However, body, they most often involve the hands. broken guards.

• Avoid shortcuts and complacency amid daily routines on the farm there are In fact, hands are the body part most • Reaching into moving equipment. to ensure safety. • Stay alert and take a plenty of safety risks, some of which are often injured, with 500,000 hand injuries in • Fatigue. break if you are feeling tired. While there is often overlooked. A prime example is pinch Canada every year, sending more Canadi• Not following safety work procedures, a common misconception that pinch point points. ans to the hospital than any other cause. such as failing to lockout/tagout equipment injuries are not often serious, the truth is Pinch points (also known as nip points) What’s more, beyond the immediate physi- before maintenance. that they can have devastating and longare areas where hair, clothing, or body cal harm, pinch point injuries can lead to Safety precautions for pinch points lasting consequences. That’s why underparts can catch between where two parts lost work time, medical expenses, longThough pinch point hazards are standing pinch points and their risks is move together. On farms and ranches, term health challenges, and life-altering common on the farm, there are ways to essential for farm safety. Ensuring safety is pinch points can be found with feed rollers, consequences. reduce the risk of injury through awareness, everyone’s top priority, regardless of how conveyors, belt drives, machinery doors, Common causes of pinch point inju- training, and implementing practical safety often a particular task has been done, is the gears, sprockets, and other moving equip- ries measures. most effective way to proactively prevent ment and often involves one part rotating Understanding how pinch point injuries • Before beginning any work, conduct an injuries. For more farm safety information at high speed, making it difficult for indi- often occur is essential for preventing them inspection to identify potential pinch points. and resources, visit agsafetyweek.ca. viduals to free themselves quickly once on the farm. Primary causes of pinch point This includes pinch points on equipment caught. incidents on farms include: you are not using but will be working close While pinch points are not always • Not paying attention to the location to. perceived as dangerous, the reality is that of hands and feet or moving too quickly • Do not operate equipment without proper guarding in place. Inspect guards regularly and promptly replace any that are damaged or missing.

• If a guard or shield is removed for maintenance, ensure it is replaced before using the equipment.

• Wear close-fitting clothing, remove jewelry and any drawstrings, and tie back long hair.

• Pay attention to where your hands and feet are at all times.

• Keep warning signs in place near pinch point hazards. • Never attempt to service or unclog a machine while it is operating or the engine is running.

• Always follow lockout/tag out procedures.

• Provide routine training to workers so that they understand the risks associated with pinch points and can effectively identify the hazard and take effective measures to prevent injury.

• Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment for a particular task, ensure it fits well, and know when wearing gloves File photo

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The Vermilion Voice | March 10, 2026

New Program Providing Safe And Affordable Option For Farmers To Retrofit Older Tractors With ROPS

15

Canadian Agricultural Safety Association of gravity, which makes them more change in the number of rollover fatalities Of course, creating do-it-yourself Submitted unstable than other vehicles. and serious injuries on Canadian farms. ROPS designs that farmers can build DIY isn’t what typically comes to mind Despite the effectiveness of ROPS In fact, studies in Sweden, Norway, easily and affordably, while also ensurfor effective and safe rollover protective and seatbelts, many farmers consider and Finland have found that mandatory ing structural soundness, is no easy feat. structures (ROPS) on Canadian farms, the cost of aftermarket ROPS to be ROPS – both for retrofitting older tractors O n c e e n g i n e e r s d eve l o p e d t h e but a new pilot project is looking to prohibitive, as they often cost as much and for all new tractors – have virtually ROPS plans, which were thoroughly change that. as an older model tractor is worth. In eliminated fatal tractor rollovers. tested in accordance with CSA stanThe Low-Cost ROPS Program aims some cases, ROPS are not available for “We know from safety literature that dards, Wassermann says it was crucial to provide farmers with engineered older tractor models. the mindset of ‘it’s not going to happen to to assess the potential mistakes farmblueprints that they can use to construct That’s one of the barriers that the me’ is often present, and not just in work, ers could make when constructing the their own ROPS – a frame that fits on L o w - C o s t R O P S Pr o g r a m , w h i c h but with safety decisions in general. But ROPS, particularly with welding. To test a tractor and shields the operator from Wassermann is leading along with rollovers are still a significant problem in those variables, journeyperson weldbeing crushed in a rollover – for retrofit- others at the Canadian Centre for Rural agriculture across Canada that needs to ers built ROPS structures with common ting older model tractors. and Agricultural Health, hopes to allevi- be addressed,” says Dr. Niels Koehncke, welding flaws purposely included. The According to the latest Canadian Agri- ate by making safe and affordable after- a professor at the University of Saskatch- structures with flaws also passed safety cultural Injury Reporting (CAIR) data, market ROPS an option for Canadian ewan with a specialty in occupational testing, which Wassermann says was between 2011 and 2020, there were 624 farmers. The program, which to date medicine and faculty member of the a pivotal milestone to a design process agriculture-related fatalities in Canada, has been funded by Agrivita Canada, Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricul- that “was an evolution.” of which 66 per cent were caused by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, tural Health.

Continued on page 16 machinery, with rollovers being the lead- Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Developing cause of injury. ment Fund, WorkSafe Saskatchewan “Rollover protective structures, when and WorkplaceNL, is currently available installed properly and used with seat- in Saskatchewan and Newfoundland belts, are between 99 per cent to 100 with the goal of eventually being availper cent effective,” explains Jim Wasser- able Canada-wide. mann, a research engineer with the “When we looked at the cost of ROPS, University of Saskatchewan’s Canadian there are materials, the labour to build Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health. it, transportation and other costs related “We were wondering, if ROPS are to development. So, we figured if we that effective and since they have been removed all of the costs except the materequired on new machines for quite rials by allowing farmers to construct some time, why the fatalities continue. It their own ROPS on their farms, we would turns out that there are still a lot of older expect a significant decrease in cost,” tractors that were built before the days of explains Wassermann, noting that farmROPS that continue to be used, so typi- ers should be able to construct their own cally those rollover fatalities are related ROPS through the program for between to older tractors on smaller farms.” $500 and $750.

While tractor rollovers pose an unde“The goal was to find a way to get niable risk, a substantial number of more affordable and safe ROPS into the tractors across the country – as many hands of Canadian farmers, especially as 30 per cent, according to research ones with smaller operations and tighter Box 190, Innisfree, AB T0B 2G0 – continue to operate without ROPS. budgets.”

Phone: 780-592-3818 Tractors are prone to rollovers due to A n d m o re RO PS o n o l d er tr ac working on slopes and their high centre tors could potentially lead to a positive

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The Vermilion Voice | March 10, 2026

16 Continued from page 15 The pilot program is now testing ROPS built entirely by farmers to ensure they meet safety standards and help alleviate concerns raised by some about the prospect of farmers building their own ROPS. To further assure proper fabrication, Wassermann says, there is a detailed procedure to follow and a “remote inspection process” that occurs after the

Honoring the hands that feed us

build.

“With something like this, there will always be concern that it is done properly and that is part of the reason why so many checks and balances are in place as part of this project, but it is absolutely critical,” Koehncke explains.

“This isn’t something that can be rushed. We want to ensure the review and reporting process is thorough so that when questions come up about w h a t i s t h e ev i d e n c e t h a t t h e s e homebuilt ROPS will work, what proof is there that the engineering designs, welding, and structure will hold up, we have the proof.”

Ad d s Was ser mann, “ The r ig orous testing and inspection ensure that safety is at the forefront of this e n d e av o u r, w h i c h i s o u r o v e r a l l mission. We want to show the world that yes, the designs we’re putting in the hands of farmers are ones that they can competently build.”

While the program’s intent is to

keep more farmers safe in the event of a rollover involving an older tractor, there is anecdotal evidence that it is having a more substantial impact on safety in general on farms.

“A unique finding coming out of the program is that because the farmers are part of the solution, it’s their ROPS and they built it, we’ve seen t heir at t itu d e towar d s s afet y an d things like wearing a seatbelt improving because there is more safet y buy-in and ownership of the safety systems,” Wassermann says.

It’s an early observation that the p r o j e c t te a m f i n d s p r o m i s i n g fo r potentially enhancing safety mindfulness on farms across the country, which could help prevent tractor rollovers and other farm machineryrelated incidents.

“We always strive to raise awarenes s ab out s afet y an d the o ng o ing risk of rollovers. And we want to raise awareness that all machinery is

such a big part of the risk of significant injury and fatalities in farming,” explains Koehncke. “Raising more awareness about health and safety risks in agriculture can sometimes be a challenge, but programs like this will hopefully help change that.”

While Wasser mann works on connecting with provincial regulators and safet y groups to expand the initiative across Canada, he says the enthusiasm received so far from farmers in response to the program has been encouraging and serves as further incentive to have the program available across the country.

“Any of the farmers who have built ROPS throug h the pro gram have b e e n exc i te d a b o u t w h at t h ey ’ve accomplished,” says Wassermann.

“And that makes us excited. The more farmers we can help, the better.”

More information about the LowCost ROPS Program is available by emailing agropscanada@usask.ca.

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The Vermilion Voice | March 10, 2026

Off-Road Vehicles And Train Tracks Make For A Deadly Combination

Canadian Agricultural Safety Association

17

Sadly, more than 100 Canadians Once you’ve determined it is safe tracks. Railway companies post their are seriously injured or killed every to cross, do so at a 90-degree angle. emergency numbers on a blue sign Anyone who has spent time on year as a result of railway crossing or If you’re towing anything, check that under the crossbuck (the traffic sign a farm knows how popular off-road trespassing incidents. And nearly all there is enough room on the other side used to indicate a railway crossing) or vehicles like ATVs and UTVs are for of these tragedies are preventable. of the tracks to fully clear the crossing near the crossing. The number may completing ever yday tasks around That’s why using designated trails by at least five metres without stopping. also be posted on a nearby signal the farm. Whether transporting farm and staying off railway tracks is crucial.

What to do if stuck or stalled on bungalow. If you can’t find the railway supplies, checking on remote loca- Railway tracks are private property, tracks emergency number, call 911. tions, or delivering meals to workers in so not only is it dangerous to drive on Of f-road vehicles can run into Remember that younger riders learn the field, off-road vehicles are essen- tracks, but it’s also illegal. In fact, you problems and break down just like by example and copy what they see, so tial around the farm — not to mention could be fined up to $50,000 for tres- any other farm machinery. But if this always follow rail safety rules to set a a fun way to enjoy the outdoors. passing on railway property. happens on railway tracks, it’s crucial good example and keep everyone safe.

But while smaller in size than other Even riding alongside train tracks to act quickly. Immediately get off the “ R a il s afet y i s n’ t ju s t a b o u t b i g farm equipment, it’s still important to is hazardous since trains are wider ATV and move at least 30 metres away moments,” says Chief Will. “It’s about adhere to safety rules when using off- than railway tracks. This is par ticu- from the tracks to avoid being hit by the small, safe choices we make every road vehicles, especially around rail- larly dangerous with train tunnels or any debris if a train hits your vehicle. day. Each time you respect the signs way tracks. bridges where there is little or no room Once you’re safely away from the and signals around tracks and railway “CN Police prioritize off-road vehicle to keep safe if a train comes along. tracks, contact the railway company property, you’re helping to keep your safety by urging operators to never use Safe crossings to let them know a vehicle is on the community strong and safe.” railway tracks as trails. Riding on or W h e n r i d i n g a l o n g AT V t r a i l s , along railway tracks or trespassing on always look for sig ns indi c ating a train bridges or tunnels is illegal and railway crossing is up ahead and be dangerous,” says Shawn Will, CN Chief prepared to stop. It’s important to keep of Police and Chief Security Officer. in mind that off-road vehicles are not With many farms located near rail- exempt from following railway signs way tracks, and nearly 45,000 kilo- and signals. metres of active railway and approx“Off-road vehicles can handle tough i m ate l y 4 0,0 0 0 r a i l way c r o s s i n g s terrain—but they are no match for a across the countr y, there’s a good train. Slow down, stay alert, and make chance of encountering trains while sure tracks are clear before crossing at using off-road vehicles in rural areas, a 90-degree angle. A few seconds of which is why safet y should always caution can save a life,” Chief Will says. stay top of mind.

When approaching a crossing, slow Railway tracks are not ATV trails down, look both ways and listen for Did you know that because of their approaching trains. Since trains can large size, it can be difficult to judge come from either direction at any time, how fast a train is moving or how far always approach crossings expectaway it is? It takes a freight train trav- ing a train. Take extra caution during elling up to 100 km/h, or a passenger winter conditions, as snow can reduce train travelling at 160 km/h, about two visibilit y, making it dif ficult to see kilometres to come to a complete stop. oncoming trains or railway crossings, That’s the equivalent length of 18 foot- and ice may cause vehicles to slide ball fields. into crossings.

File photo Submitted

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