Nebraska Corn: Safety Today, Success Tomorrow

As harvest season approaches, the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) are reminding farmers, rural communities and motorists to prioritize safety during National Farm Safety and Health Week, September 21-25. This year’s theme, “Safety Today, Success Tomorrow,” highlights the importance of taking proactive steps to stay safe during one of the busiest seasons in agriculture.

Nebraska’s farms and ranches support one in four jobs across the state, yet agriculture consistently ranks among the nation’s most dangerous occupations. Long hours, heavy machinery and unpredictable weather put farmers and rural residents at risk every season, making safety a year-round priority rather than an afterthought.

“Every harvest reminds us that farming’s rewards come with real risks. Taking safety seriously today, whether in the field, on rural roads or around equipment, is what allows our farms and families to thrive tomorrow,” said Andy Groskopf, chairman of NCB. “We also want farmers to take care of themselves both physically but just as importantly mentally. Harvest is a time of long hours and can be emotionally taxing, and it’s important to check in with each other, ask for help when needed and know that support is available. Looking out for our mental health is just as critical as looking out for our physical safety.”

Often, the most important thing farmers and motorists can do is slow down, stay aware of their surroundings and make safety part of every decision. With long hours and plenty of responsibilities both in the field and on the road, keeping safety top of mind can help ensure a successful harvest season.

Nebraska Corn encourages both farmers and the public to keep these safety reminders top of mind this fall and beyond:

Equipment and Roadway Safety

• Verify all safety shields and guards are in place before operating equipment.
• Test lights, flashers and warning signals regularly to ensure equipment is visible on the road.
• When approaching harvest equipment, do so from the front to ensure the operator sees you.
• Motorists should slow down and use caution when sharing the road with farm machinery, which often travels well below highway speeds.

Health and Wellness

• Fatigue and stress can impair decision-making; schedule breaks and get adequate rest.
• Stay hydrated and keep water readily available during long harvest days.
• Pay attention to mental health needs, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when stress builds during harvest.

Generations of Farming

• Teach youth safe habits early, including the importance of staying away from running equipment.
• Assign age-appropriate tasks and ensure children are supervised around harvest activity.

Confined Spaces and Grain Bin Safety

• Never enter a grain bin while equipment is running.
• Always have a harness and lifeline and never work in a bin alone.

Fire Prevention

• Remove crop residue and dust buildup from machinery regularly.
• Inspect equipment for damaged wiring and other potential fire hazards.
• Ensure fire extinguishers are charged, accessible and available in combines, tractors and trucks.

Cancer Prevention

• Wear sunscreen, hats and protective clothing during long hours in the field.
• Use proper respiratory protection when working around dust, chemicals or grain particles.
• Schedule regular health screenings, since early detection improves outcomes.

Mental Health

• Fatigue is a leading contributor to farm equipment accidents; treat rest as a safety requirement, not a luxury.
• Stress and distraction reduce reaction time around grain bins, augers and machinery
• Build short breaks into long days. Even 10–15 minutes matters for focus and safety.
• Stay connected: check in with neighbors, family and fellow farmers regularly.
• Maintain sleep and meal routines as much as the schedule allows.
• Share the workload where possible; ask for help rather than pushing through alone.

Nebraska Corn also reminds those traveling through rural areas to be patient during harvest traffic and be aware of Nebraska’s move-over law. The measure requires drivers to slow down and move over for stopped vehicles and vulnerable road users, which includes agricultural vehicles and equipment. Slowing down, staying alert and giving equipment plenty of room can prevent accidents and help keep everyone safe today and tomorrow.