ATV Safety Training Essential for the farm

Apr 25, 2024

By: Farms.com

To curb the rising incidents of ATV-related injuries and fatalities among youth, various industry stakeholders in Ontario have come together to offer a new educational resource.

The program, called Ready to RideON, is spearheaded by the Ontario Quad Safety Council in collaboration with the Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs (OFATV), Yamaha Motor Canada, and Bombardier Recreational Products.

ATV riding, a popular and sometimes necessary activity for young people in rural areas and on farms, presents significant risks due to the power and size of these vehicles. Recognizing this, industry leaders have responded with Ready to RideON, aimed at 12 to 15-year-olds who frequent Ontario’s trails.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns about ATV safety, underscored by distressing statistics from hospitals and police reports.

According to data from SickKids, there were 181 serious ATV-related injuries among youth in 2018, including six fatalities. Studies suggest that provinces with mandatory youth training for ATV riders see lower rates of accidents and injuries. This is a crucial insight that underpins the new program, highlighting the need for structured training to mitigate risks.

Ready to RideON is a two-hour, $40 online course that educates young riders on everything from the basic parts and functions of ATVs to responsible riding practices. This program not only aims to reduce the number of accidents but also fosters a safer riding environment across the province.

Police reports shed light on the severity of the issue, with over 150 fatalities and more than 1,500 injuries from ATV and side-by-side incidents in Ontario from 2016 to 2022. This further emphasizes the importance of comprehensive training and education.

Industry leaders like Elsa Vilarinho of BRP and Delaney Brogan from Yamaha Motors Canada express their enthusiasm for the program, noting its potential to make a significant impact on ATV safety and rider preparedness. For more details on the Ready to RideON program, individuals are encouraged to visit the OFATV website.

Through initiatives like these, stakeholders hope to foster a culture of safety and responsibility among young ATV riders, ensuring they enjoy the freedom of riding while minimizing the risks involved.

Video: How a Desire to Lead Brought This Wheat Breeder to Canada

Gurcharn Singh Brar is a wheat breeder whose path meandered from the breadbaskets of Punjab, India, to the sprawling fields of the Prairies. In a candid conversation, Brar shared insights into his journey, the challenges faced, and the undying passion that fuels his quest for better crops.

It all began with a childhood rooted in the wheat fields of Punjab, where agriculture isn’t just a livelihood but a way of life. His fascination with wheat and its potential led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences at Punjab Agricultural University. It was during this time that he encountered the spectre of rust diseases, particularly stripe rust, which plagued the region’s wheat crops. Determined to combat this menace, he set his sights on a journey that would take him across continents.

Venturing abroad for his graduate studies, he found himself in Saskatchewan at the Crop Development Centre (CDC), working under the mentorship of renowned researchers like Randy Kutcher and Pierre Hucl. Here, he delved deep into the world of wheat genetics, focusing on stripe rust resistance — a quest that would shape his academic pursuits for years to come.

After completing his master’s and Ph.D. in six and a half years, he embarked on a professional journey that would see him traverse academia and research. From brief stints as a research officer to landing his dream faculty position at the University of British Columbia’s Plant Science program, his career trajectory was marked by a strong drive to make a difference in the world of wheat.

Despite the allure of British Columbia’s unique agricultural landscape, he found himself wanting to return to the vast expanses of the Prairies, where wheat reigns supreme. He recently returned to the Prairies and is the new wheat breeder at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

“The opportunity to lead an established wheat breeding program at the University of Alberta was a dream come true. With the necessary resources and infrastructure in place, I’m excited to drive innovation and develop high-yielding wheat varieties tailored to the unique conditions of northern Canada,” he says.

Brar, one of Seed World Canada‘s 2024 Next-Gen Leaders, has become known for identifying novel sources of resistance to priority diseases and his efforts in developing wheat germplasm with multiple disease-resistant traits.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Brar is committed to mentoring the next generation of agricultural scientists.

“I believe in nurturing talent and empowering students to pursue their passions,” he says. “Watching my students grow and thrive in their research endeavours is hugely rewarding.”

As he looks ahead, Brar’s vision for the future of wheat breeding is clear: “My number one target is to develop high-yielding wheat varieties adapted to the northern climates of Canada. By focusing on early maturity and strong straw traits, we can maximize yield potential while ensuring resilience to environmental challenges.”

His decision to also join the Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye, and Triticale (PGDC) executive as member-at-large came from a desire to play an even more important role in the world of Canadian cereals.