Farmers Reminded of Round Bale Safety Handling

Jul 19, 2013

Canadian Agricultural Safety Association Releases Bale Handling Recommendations

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

It is a busy time of year for farmers as they are haying, bailing and transporting hay bales. The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association released a safety article pertaining to handling large round bales.

The article said the vast majority of injuries occur when bales are being moved from one place to another, or when the bales are being lifted incorrectly. Glen Blahey, Agriculture Safety and Health Specialist for the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association said farmers should always be on the lookout for hazards, while seeking to enhance workplace safety.

Practicing safety occurs in four key stages – lifting, loading, transport and unloading. Failing to lift bales properly can result in tractors or vehicles to rollover or bales to fall off of equipment - which could put farm operators or others at risk. When loading bales it is important not to rush, to avoid accidents. When transporting bales, checking blind spots can sometimes be tricky - always be aware of traffic conditions and take proper precautions with other motorists. Unloading should be proceeded with caution - watch for unexpected bale movement.

More information about farm safety or bale handling can be found at:www.agsafetyweek.ca/media-kit.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.