Students learn safety tips at Ag Awareness Day

According to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. With the death rate in Kentucky agriculture two to three times higher than the national average it is easily understood why farm safety awareness is important.
Ag Awareness Day at LaRue County High School offers a chance for 8th graders to learn farm safety and general agricultural awareness from FFA students.
Eighth grade students moved through 14 different stations and learned information and safety regarding large machinery, livestock, firearms, electricity, food and emergency service workers.
“The event is to educate eighth graders about agriculture in general,” said Misty Bivens, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. “About five years ago we changed the focus to general ag awareness as well as safety to educate more students.”
The event has educated students for 15 years and is the one event where FFA members plan the entire event.
“They are the ones calling people,” said Bivens. “They get them to come out and participate.”
According to Bivens, 80 FFA members worked the event in different stations helping to educate the underclassmen.
“It’s a good way for the eighth graders to see what the FFA does,” said freshman Timmy Dennis.
The event attracted several different agencies including local fire departments, LaRue County EMS and Nolin RECC.

Candis Carpenter

Courtni Price holds four-week old Bandit the pig at Ag Awareness Day at LaRue County High School as Mallory Skaggs tickles her nose.

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