07 Oct 2015

USDA Announces $3 Million in Funding for Critical Agriculture Production Research

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2015 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced nearly $3 million in grants to address critical issues affecting agriculturally-important plants and animals. The science developed from these grants will provide timely assistance and have an immediate impact for the agriculture community. The awards were made under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative's (AFRI) Critical Agricultural Research and Extension (CARE) program, and addresses priority areas of the 2014 Farm Bill.

"It is essential to promote partnerships between researchers, extension experts, and producers to ensure the success of American agriculture," said Sonny Ramaswamy, NIFA director. "The CARE program is centered on the swift identification of problems, creation of solutions, and prevention of interruptions or issues that impact farmers' ability to provide a safe and abundant food supply for our nation."

Fiscal year 2014 is the first year NIFA has made awards under the CARE program. Examples of what these grants will focus on include a project from the University of Georgia that is researching disease management practices for blueberries, particularly addressing the currently unknown life cycle time of the damaging Exobasidium leaf and fruit spot disease. An Extension project from Montana State University will be working directly with cattle producers to adopt sagebrush grazing techniques for their cattle that create a sustainable environment for the greater sage-grouse. Fiscal Year 2014 grants include :

  • University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., $149,399
  • University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., $149,580
  • University of Georgia, Athens, Ga., $149,925
  • University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, $149,884
  • Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., $149,995
  • Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan., $149.988
  • Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $149,655
  • Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $149,899
  • Montana State University, Bozeman, Mont., $149,924
  • University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Neb., $148,203
  • University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Neb., $148,209
  • University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Neb., $150,000
  • Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $150,000
  • North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C., $149,800
  • Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pa., $150,000
  • South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D., $149,999
  • University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Knoxville, Tenn., $150,000
  • University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt., $141,807
  • Washington State University, Pullman, Wash., $149,837
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisc., $149,992

AFRI is NIFA's flagship competitive grants program and was established under the 2008 Farm Bill. The AFRI Foundational Program addresses six priority areas to continue building a foundation of knowledge in fundamental and applied food and agricultural sciences critical for solving current and future societal challenges. The six priority areas include : plant health and production and plant products; animal health and production and animal products; food safety, nutrition and health; renewable energy, natural resources and environment; agriculture systems and technology; and agriculture economics and rural communities.

NIFA invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and extension and seeks to make transformative discoveries that solve societal challenges. To learn more about NIFA's impact on agricultural science, visit nifa.usda.gov/impacts or follow us on Twitter: @usda_nifa #NIFAimpacts.

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07 Oct 2015

New USDA Fact Sheets Illustrate State-by-State Benefits of Trans-Pacific Partnership

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2015 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released a series of fact sheets illustrating how the newly reached Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement can boost the U.S. agriculture industry, supporting more American jobs and driving the nation's rural economy. Created by the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the fact sheets graphically depict how each state and individual commodities stand to benefit from increased agricultural trade with the 11 other TPP countries.

Trade ministers from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam concluded TPP negotiations on Oct. 5 in Atlanta, Ga. Trade with these countries accounted for 42 percent of U.S. agricultural exports in 2014, contributing $63 billion to the U.S. economy.

"Increased demand for American agricultural products and expanded agricultural exports as a result of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement will support stronger commodity prices and increase farm income. Increased exports will support more good paying export-related jobs, further strengthening the rural economy," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. "All of this activity benefits rural communities and keeps American agriculture on the cutting edge of global commerce. The TPP agreement will contribute to the future strength of American agriculture and helps to ensure that the historic agricultural trade gains achieved under President Obama since 2009 will continue."

The United States runs an agricultural trade surplus which benefits farmers, ranchers, and all those who live, work and raise families in rural America. Agricultural trade supports more than one million American jobs. TPP will remove unfair trade barriers and help further the global expansion of American agricultural exports, particularly exports of meat, poultry, dairy, fruits, vegetables, grains, oilseeds, cotton and processed products.

The information released today illustrates benefits for key commodities and all 50 states. Learn more about TPP and its benefits to the agricultural economy at http://www.fas.usda.gov/tpp. Here is just a snapshot of how the TPP would boost exports of some U.S. food and agricultural products:

Beef and Veal

Japan's beef tariff, currently as high as 50 percent, will be reduced to nine percent. Japan will eliminate duties on 75 percent of tariff lines, including processed beef products. Vietnam will eliminate tariffs and Malaysia will lock tariffs in at zero percent.

Pork

Japan will eliminate duties on nearly 80 percent of tariff lines, including processed pork. Remaining tariffs will be cut and the "Gate Price" system significantly altered. Nearly all Malaysian tariffs will be locked in at zero percent and Vietnam will eliminate tariffs.

Fruits

Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam will eliminate tariffs on all fresh and processed fruits, including citrus.

Vegetables

Malaysia and Vietnam will immediately eliminate all tariffs, and Japan nearly all tariffs, on fresh and processed vegetables. All three countries will eliminate tariffs on potatoes and potato products.

Rice

Japan, which excluded rice from its prior trade agreements, will establish a new, duty-free quota for U.S. rice. Malaysia and Vietnam will eliminate tariffs.

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06 Oct 2015

Biofuels; White House chief of staff urged on stronger Renewable Fuel Standard

By Grassley Press

For months, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa has urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revise and increase its proposed volume obligations for renewable biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014, 2015 and 2016.  After hearing from Grassley and other senators, the EPA revised its initial proposal and released a proposed volume obligation that is a modest improvement over the prior proposal.  Still, the latest proposal underestimates the capacity for farmers and ethanol and biodiesel producers to generate enough renewable fuel to meet higher goals.  Grassley was among a bipartisan group of senators who today met with White House chief of staff Denis McDonough to discuss their concerns.  The EPA intends to finalize its proposal by Nov. 30.  Grassley made the following comment on the meeting.

"I hope the chief of staff who met with a large, bipartisan group of senators will take our concerns to heart and back to the EPA.  By hurting biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel, the EPA is hurting agriculture markets, rural economies, lower prices for consumers at the pump, reduced emissions, and national security through dependence on foreign oil.  The EPA needs to revise and improve the rule, and President Obama needs to make it a priority."
05 Oct 2015

America's Farmers making a positive impact in Iowa

By Rick Martin

ST. LOUIS (Aug. 14, 2015) - America's Farmers Grow Communities will partner again with farmers to award more than $3.3 million to community nonprofits across the country. In Iowa, 99 organizations will receive donations in 2016. Sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, the program's purpose is to make a positive impact in rural communities by giving farmers a chance to direct $2,500 donations to eligible nonprofit organizations of their choice. Farmer enrollment for Grow Communities kicks off on Aug. 1 and runs through Nov. 30, 2015.

Since the program's inception, farmers have directed donations to help fire departments purchase equipment and complete training, send FFA and 4-H groups to contests and conventions, provide food pantries with meals to serve those in need and boost agriculture curriculum in rural school districts. Other beneficiaries of the program have included health care organizations, youth and community centers, state parks and economic development programs, among many others.

"Thanks to the participation of farmers from across the country, more than 7,000 nonprofit organizations have received donations through Grow Communities in the past five years," said Deborah Patterson, Monsanto Fund president. "We are excited to team up with farmers once again to help support the causes that mean the most to them and strengthen rural America."

Iowa farmers can enroll in the program and find a complete list of program rules and eligibility information at www.GrowCommunities.com or by calling 877-267-3332 toll-free. Program winners will be announced in January. Follow Grow Communities' new Facebook page to learn more about the program and connect with past winners at facebook.com/AmericasFarmersGrowCommunities.

America's Farmers Grow Communities is part of the America's Farmers initiative. Since 2010, the America's Farmers campaign and programs have advocated on behalf of farmers and their efforts to meet society's needs through agriculture. Today, consumers are more interested than ever in agriculture and how food is grown. Farmers and others in the industry are joining in on the conversation to help raise awareness about agriculture and share their stories with their communities. Learn more at cfiengage.org.

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About America's Farmers

The America's Farmers campaign highlights the importance of modern US Agriculture through communications and community outreach programs that partner with farmers to impact rural America.  The outreach programs include :

  • America's Farmers Grow Communities supports rural America by offering farmers the chance to win $2,500 for their favorite local nonprofit organization.
  • America's Farmers Grow Rural Education supports rural education by offering farmers the chance to nominate local school districts, who can compete for a $10,000 or $25,000 merit-based grant to enhance math and science education.
  • America's Farmers Grow Ag Leaders gives students pursuing a career in agriculture the opportunity to earn a $1,500 scholarship towards their education.
  • America's Farmers Mom of the Year celebrates women in agriculture by offering the chance to win up to $10,000 and the title of "National Farm Mom of the Year".

To learn more, visit America's Farmers at www.americasfarmers.com.

 

 

About the Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

29 Sep 2015

New #WomenInAg Infographics Show Impact of Women in Agriculture in Every State

By Alvyn Kiel, Office of Communications
From the classroom to the farm to the boardroom, women in agriculture are helping to pave the way for a better future. As leaders, it is our responsibility to make sure the next generation of women are educated, encouraged and empowered to take on the challenges of meeting the world's growing food, fuel and fiber needs. To celebrate and honor the contributions of women in agriculture, USDA is releasing a series of state-by-state infographics detailing the impact women have on agriculture in each state and across the country. Be sure to share these infographics on social media or print them to help tell the story of women in ag in your state!

Over the past few months, we've also been featuring the powerful stories of women in agriculture on the USDA blog. By following the #womeninag tag on the USDA blog, you can read first-person accounts from women like Carissa Koopmann Rivers, a fifth generation cow/calf rancher from Sunol, California, Casey Cox, the Executive Director of the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, and Dr. Jewel Hairston, the Dean of the College of Agriculture at Virginia State University.

To coincide with the release of the new infographics, each day this week, we'll feature advice and stories from women in agriculture at various stages in their lives and careers. Be sure to check back on the USDA blog later today for our first of five #womeninag blogs this week, featuring Katy Coba, the Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

To learn more and connect with other women leaders in agriculture all across the country, we encourage you to join our women in ag mentoring network. Join the conversation by emailing AgWomenLead@usda.gov and be sure to check out #womeninag on Twitter and on the USDA blog, our #womeninag Storify, and this video message from Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden.

29 Sep 2015

Preserving and Restoring Our Water, Soil and Lands.

By Robert Jackson Jr.

Last week, we saw how strategic investments in conservation and habitat restoration can have a big impact for our nation's ecosystems.

We were pleased to announce that?thanks to collaboration across 11 western states?the greater sage-grouse no longer requires protection under the Endangered Species Act. This exciting news was made possible through close collaboration with federal and state partners, as well as over 1,100 farmers & ranchers who used USDA and other federal programs that provide financial assistance for conservation practices and habitat preservation.

Watch a video explaining why this historic announcement sets the groundwork for a 21st century approach to conservation.

Thanks for tuning in last week, and stay tuned next week as we shift our focus to the promise of rural America, and the #RuralMade economy.

Late Blight: A Ripening Issue for Central Pennsylvania Farmers

Perhaps there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Many farmers in central Pennsylvania would aptly agree to this notion after experiencing above average amounts of rainfall this summer.

Forest Service waives fees in support of the nation's largest volunteer effort on public lands

As the fall season slowly matriculates and the autumn equinox makes its debut, volunteers are encouraged to give back by participating in the annual National Public Lands Day.

Wisconsin Farm Serves as an Example for How Conservation Benefits Agricultural Operations

Some people are born to farm. Others grow to love it. Greg Nettekoven was born into a farm family, and he and his wife, Karon, have grown to love farming.

New Perspectives on the Dynamics of Dry Lands

Vast acreage of dry lands may evoke images of a desolate, scorched desert that is uninhabitable to humans. But the arid and semi-arid dry lands of about half of both the United States' and the world's land surfaces actually are complex ecosystems made up variously of grasses, shrubs, agriculture, and even urban dwellers.

Southern Plains Climate Hub Helps Land Managers Build Resilience to Climate Variability

The U.S. Southern Plains states have always been known for their wild weather. Stories of the volatile climate of this region abound.

Minnesota Farmers Restore Coldwater Stream in Driftless Area

Pine Creek wanders through prairies and rocky bluffs, and forests and pastures, including the land where Ryan Pulley raises beef in southeastern Minnesota. Pine Creek is beautiful - fed by limestone springs and home to freshwater trout.

Forest Service Funds Landmark Climate Change Study

Preparing for the effects of climate change, the U.S. Forest Service has taken the lead in a new report that highlights actions taken by federal agencies to adapt to a changing climate.

Unprecedented Collaboration to Save Sage-Grouse is the Largest Wildlife Conservation Effort in U.S.

Today marks an historic win for conservation and communities in the West and for the United States.

Helping Farmers Adapt to a Changing Climate through Regional Vulnerability Assessments

Just over a year after the establishment of the USDA Climate Hubs, we are keeping our promise of "developing the next generation of climate solutions" through regional vulnerability assessments.

Maryland Dairy Farmers Work to Improve the Health of Estuaries Producing high quality, nutritious milk may be a top priority for Coldsprings Farm, but it is not the farm's only accomplishment.
28 Sep 2015

Gov. Branstad signs harvest weight proclamation

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Proclamation to aid farmers in hauling harvest in an efficient and effective manner

 

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed a proclamation to allow the transportation of overweight loads of soybeans, corn, hay, straw, silage and stover.  The proclamation takes effect today, September 25, 2015, and expires after 60 days.

"I am pleased today to sign this proclamation to allow Iowa farmers to move their crop yields in an effective and efficient manner," said Branstad. "Iowa's farmers are a critical component of Iowa's economy and this proclamation will ensure they're able to transport their crop ahead of deteriorating weather conditions."

"Governor Branstad and I continue to look for ways in which government can assist Iowans and today's harvest weight proclamation is another way we're able to ensure producers can get their yield out of the fields and to market," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds.

This proclamation is intended to allow vehicles transporting soybeans, corn, hay, straw, silage and stover to be overweight, not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight, without a permit, but only for the duration of this proclamation.  This action is intended to allow loads transported on all highways within Iowa, excluding the interstate system, and those which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code §321.463(5) (b), by more than twelve and one-half percent (12.5%), do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is directed to monitor the operation of this proclamation to assure the public's safety and facilitate the movement of the trucks involved.

The signed proclamation can be found here.
25 Sep 2015

Grassley Joins Colleagues Urging President to Press Chinese on U.S. Agricultural Biotech Approval Delays

By Randy Stalsberg
WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley joined a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to raise directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping concerns about China's delays in approving agricultural biotech products.

President Xi will be meeting with President Obama yet this week.  The U.S. is also hosting China in the inaugural U.S.-China Strategic Agricultural Innovation Dialogue, during which it's expected agricultural biotech issues will be discussed.

The senators wrote, "It is our understanding that there is a growing queue of biotechnology-derived crops under review within China's Ministry of Agriculture, creating additional regulatory uncertainty, and undermining commitments made last year to bolster science-based agricultural innovation and trade...We ask that you seek a commitment from President Xi to move forward with the queue of biotechnology products, including those awaiting final import approvals."

Iowa is a leader in agricultural biotechnology.  From innovative approaches to biofuels and agriculture technology to seed genetics and biosciences, the industry is seeing a high rate of growth in the state and is an important component of the state's economy.

Grassley joined the letter led by Senators John Thune and Debbie Stabenow along with Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Thomas Carper (D-Del.), Robert Casey (D-Pa.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Christopher Coons (R-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Patrick Toomey (R-Pa.), David Vitter (R-La.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

24 Sep 2015

USDA Press Releases - Sept 22, 2015

By EINNOC10@aol.com

USDA Extends Dairy Margin Protection Program Deadline

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the deadline to enroll for the dairy Margin Protection Program for coverage in 2016 has been extended until Nov. 20, 2015.  The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating farmers when the margin - the difference between the price of milk and feed costs - falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.

"The fall harvest is a busy time of the year for agriculture, so this extension will ensure that dairy producers have more time to make their choices," said Vilsack. "We encourage all operations to examine the protections offered by this program, because despite the very best forecasts, markets can change."

Vilsack encouraged producers to use the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Agency Service (FSA) online Web resource at www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool to calculate the best levels of coverage for their dairy operation. The secure website can be accessed via computer, smartphone or tablet.

He also reminds producers that were enrolled in 2015 that they need to make a coverage election for 2016 and pay the $100 administration fee. Although any unpaid premium balances for 2015 must be paid in full by the enrollment deadline to remain eligible for higher coverage levels in 2016, premiums for 2016 are not due until Sept. 1, 2016. Also, producers can work with milk marketing companies to remit premiums on their behalf.

To enroll in the Margin Protection Program for Dairy, contact your local FSA county office.  To find your local FSA county office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.

Payments under the program may be reduced by a certain percentage due to a sequester order required by Congress and issued pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.  Should a payment reduction be necessary, FSA will reduce the payment by the required amount.

The Margin Protection Program for Dairy was made possible through the 2014 Farm Bill, which builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past six years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for the taxpayer. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

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USDA Commits $2.5 Million to Expand New Farmer Education

Training Will also Help Returning Service Members, Underserved, and Urban Producers

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 22, 2015 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that $2.5 million in grants is now available for projects to educate new and underserved farmers about more than 20 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency programs that can provide financial, disaster or technical assistance to the agricultural community.

The grants will be awarded to nonprofits and public higher education institutions that develop proposals to improve farmer education on topics such as financial training, value-added production, recordkeeping, property inheritance, and crop production practices.

"We want to partner with nonprofits, colleges and universities who share USDA's priority of helping more Americans enter farming as a profession, whether they are new or underserved farmers, returning Service members, minorities, women, and urban producers or those who sell their crops locally," said Harden.

USDA will conduct four evaluation periods to review applications, with the deadlines of Nov. 20, 2015, Jan. 22, 2015, Mar. 18, 2016, and May 27, 2016. Awards between $20,000 and $100,000 per applicant will be available. To learn more about the funding solicitation and the related Farm Service Agency programs, details can be found at www.grants.gov with the reference number USDA-FSA-CA-2015-001.  For nonprofits and public institutions of higher education that are considering participation, an online informational session will be conducted on Sept. 28, 2015.  Additional information is posted on the Web at www.fsa.usda.gov/outreach.

This funding builds on historic investments made in rural America over the past six years and supports programs enacted by the 2014 Farm Bill, which achieved meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for the taxpayer. Since enactment, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has progressively implemented each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

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24 Sep 2015

Safe Electricity Shares Safety Tips for Farmers

By Klya Kruse

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Farming is a very important, yet also very dangerous, job. In fact, it is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, farming accounted for 23.2 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2013. During National Farm Safety and Health Week, September 20-26, 2015, Safe Electricity is sharing electrical safety tips to help promote safe practices on farms and ranches across the U.S.

"Electrical equipment, such as power lines near the end rows or around grain bins, may get overlooked during busy times of year, such as harvest," says Kyla Kruse, communications director of the Safe Electricity program. "However, failure to notice overhead power lines can be a deadly oversight."

The simple action of moving a portable grain auger from one bin to another can have tragic results if the individuals involved are not extremely careful. Raising the bed of a grain truck, extending a combine's auger, or parking large machinery too close to overhead power lines could also result in preventable electrocution incidents.

Safe Electricity encourages farm operators and workers to look out for overhead power lines and maintain a safe distance away from them. Additional safety guidelines to keep in mind include :

  • Always use a spotter when operating large machinery near lines.
  • Use care when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks around power lines.
  • Keep equipment at least 10 feet from lines–at all times, in all directions.
  • Inspect the height of the farm equipment to determine clearance.
  • Always remember to lower extensions to the lowest setting when moving loads.
  • Never attempt to move a power line out of the way or raise it for clearance.
  • If a power line is sagging or low, call the local utility immediately.
  • If your equipment does hit a power line, do not leave the cab. Immediately call 911, warn others to stay away, and wait for the utility crew to cut the power.

The only reason to exit equipment that has come into contact with overhead lines is if the equipment is on fire, which is very rare. However, if this is the case, jump off the equipment with your feet together and without touching the ground and vehicle at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area.

If you see someone's equipment in contact with a power line, the best help is given at a safe distance. During one of these situations, make sure to yell out to, signal, or call the equipment operator to make sure he remains in the vehicle, and notify the local utility.

To help ensure a safe harvest, stay alert for power lines, exercise caution, and always put safety first. For more information on electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org.

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The Energy Education Council is a 501(c 3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting electrical safety and energy efficiency. Established in 1952, the Council is headquartered within University of Illinois Extension and serves as a forum for diverse utility and energy organizations to collaborate on the mutually vital issues of efficiency and safety. Learn more at EnergyEdCouncil.org and SafeElectricity.org.

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