See national chem pricing trends in the FBN Research report
As we begin the new year, farm safety remains one of the most critical issues facing agriculture. Farming continues to rank among the most dangerous occupations, with risks ranging from heavy machinery and vehicles to confined spaces, livestock, and mental health strain.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to refocus on prevention, planning, and protection.
Agriculture has one of the highest fatal injury rates of all U.S. industries.
Nearly 100 agricultural workers are injured every day and miss work due to injury.
Farmers are almost twice as likely to die on the job as the average worker.
Tractors remain the leading cause of fatal farm injuries, particularly rollovers. ATVs and side-by-side vehicles are also responsible for a growing number of serious incidents.
Safety reminders:
Use rollover protection (ROPS) and seatbelts.
Keep equipment well-maintained.
Ensure all operators are properly trained.
Manure pits, silos, and grain bins can contain deadly gases such as hydrogen sulfide or have dangerously low oxygen levels. These hazards are often invisible—and fatal within minutes.
Safety reminders:
Always test air quality before entry.
Never enter confined spaces without ventilation and safety equipment.
Have a rescue plan and never work alone.
Falls account for a significant portion of farm injuries, especially during busy seasons. Livestock handling—particularly during calving and breeding—poses additional risk due to unpredictable animal behavior.
Safety reminders:
Maintain clear walkways and stable ladders.
Use proper animal handling facilities.
Plan ahead during high-risk seasons.
Farm safety is not only physical.
Stress from weather extremes, market volatility, isolation and long work hours can take a toll on farmers’ mental health. Addressing stress and encouraging support is now recognized as a key component of overall farm safety.
Walk around your farm: Identify risks and hazards—lower the risk or fix them.
Discuss near misses and safety incidents that have occurred in the last several years.
What can you learn from them?
What actions can you take to lower the risk or eliminate them from occurring again?
Talk openly about mental health and workload.
Do you need a support system?
Do you need more help on the farm?
The New Year brings opportunity. By committing to safer practices and open conversations about both physical and mental well-being, we can reduce injuries and save lives across our farming communities.
On a personal note: We at FBN wanted to thank the farming community for all they provide. This is one of the ways our team gives back to our farmers. If we can prevent one accident, one person from being hurt, that is the best New Year.
Let’s make 2026 a safer year on the farm.
Farming Equipment Safety: How to Avoid the Hidden Dangers of Ag Machinery
Saving Lives and Reducing Cost: The Importance of a Strong Safety Culture
© 2014 - 2026 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network”, “FBN”, "Farmers First" and “FBN Direct” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc.
FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. and are available only in provinces where Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Not available in Quebec. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply.
All product recommendations and other information provided is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for consulting the product label or for specific agronomic, business,or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified advisor. Neither Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.
ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and provincial law to use any pest control product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pest control product is a violation of federal and/or provincial law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, provincial and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license and/or be a certified farmer, to use restricted and commercial pest control products (exceptions may apply based on province). Please consult your applicable provincial authority for complete rules and regulations on licensing, use, and recording keeping requirements of restricted and commercial pest control products.
The material provided is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific professional advice. Neither Farmer’s Business Network nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed. The information and opinions expressed by others in this material are their own and are not endorsed or approved by FBN or its affiliates.