BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — For many North Dakotans, agriculture is in their blood — something that they’ve been doing since the time they could walk, but when it comes to farm safety, it may not come as naturally.

KX News shares how North Dakota is helping farm kids make safety their top priority.

“Safety is a team sport, we’ve got to play the game with everybody, take the time to slow down, and teach each other so we can all come home safe every night,” shared Angie Johnson, the farm and ranch safety coordinator for NDSU Extension.

The Burleigh County Extension is helping kids come home safe by teaching them how to avoid farm accidents, and what to do if they experience one.

They partner with local organizations such as the rural fire department to make sure the kids are well-educated whether it be learning how to bale some hay, how to dress wounds, or even how to use a fire extinguisher.

“Our program is really focused on workforce readiness and workforce development, so the skills they learn at camp are transferable, no matter what career choice they go, even if it’s not in agriculture,” explained Johnson.

For kids looking to pursue ag-related careers, the camp gives them a leg up.

“I’ve always had a passion for it, so I started last year getting into it, and I’ve sort of grown on it, and this is what I want to do,” shared camp attendee, Teedyn Anderson.

For kids such as Teedyn, this camp has helped them see the importance of communication when it comes to working around heavy equipment.

“We strive for communication because that’s when injuries can result, is when we’re not talking to each other. And so that’s one of our big goals, is how do we help families and kids feel more comfortable communicating together,” asserted Johnson.

Through interacting with their peers at the camp, kids can see just how big of a role communication plays in avoiding injuries or even fatalities.

“Livestock, farm equipment, and the big machinery can be dangerous when you don’t know quite what you’re doing,” shared Anderson. “Plus, for a young person like me who’s just kind of started working with everything, I would say that’s kind of how you don’t want it to go.”

Each year, the camp helps around 50 kids in our state get certified to operate machinery.

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