For Schoharie County Farm Bureau President John Radliff, it's personal.
That's why he wants everyone who works in agriculture-with farm equipment, farm animals, or even woodlots-to attend a daylong Farm Safety Day next Wednesday, March 23 at SUNY Cobleskill.
The free event runs from 10am-3pm in the Curtis Mott Lounge on the ag side of campus.
SUNY Cobleskill President Marion Terenzio and State Ag Commissioner Richard Ball will welcome those attending; sessions will last about 45 minutes each.
"I've lost too many family members and close friends to farm accidents," Mr. Radliff said. "I know it never stops affecting you...what might have been. It never goes away. I don't want anyone else to go through what I've gone through."
Mr. Radliff's father was killed in a farming accident when he was just 16.
Friend, fellow farmer, and longtime SCFB member David Huse was killed in a tractor-car accident six years ago.
In January, farmer Gary Schultz of Gallupville was killed in a farm equipment accident.
"There's just been too many," Mr. Radliff said. "There are accidents-that's why they're called accidents-and then there are accidents that could have been prevented. As farmers, we're in too much of a rush. We cut too many corners. But let me tell you: One load of hay isn't worth losing your life over."
SCFB membership isn't required for Farm Safety Day.
Lunch will be provided and NYCAMH-the Northeast Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health in Cooperstown-will have personal protective equipment for sale as well as information about its services.
Contact Linda Cross at 868-9303 or crosslk@midtel.net to register.
The Woodlot Safety class will begin at about 10:15am, followed by Safe Animal Handling at 11am, Tractor and Machinery Safety at 12:45pm, and a farm emergency presentation at 1:30pm.