Safety happens in moments that matter

In agriculture, danger rarely shows up with a flashing red light. It creeps in when we’re busy, behind schedule, worn out or just plain overconfident. It shows up in shortcuts—climbing without a harness, not buckling a seatbelt, leaving equipment running, removing that pesky guard, skipping the PPE.

September is both National Farm Safety and Health Month and Suicide Prevention Month. These observances are a sobering reminder that the most dangerous thing on the farm isn’t a machine. It’s a moment. A moment when someone says, “I’ll be quick,” “I’ve done this a thousand times,” “It’ll be fine”—or worse, “I can’t do this anymore”—and no one steps in.

Safety doesn’t just happen. It takes intention, attention and action. In farming and agribusinesses like MFA, the risks are real and often all too familiar: grain bins, augers, chemicals, PTOs, confined spaces, heavy equipment, long hours and lots of stress.

As you’ll read in our cover story, veteran farmer Jim Brinkley admits it was taking a “shortcut” that led to a near-tragic grain bin engulfment on his farm in Milan, Mo. It was a tough lesson to learn, but his story had a happy ending. Many others do not.

Safety has to be more than training or checklists. It’s a mindset. A culture. A decision we make every day to look out for ourselves and each other—both physically and mentally.

That’s the foundation of MFA’s SHIELD safety program, an employee-driven, behavior-based system that truly works. Beginning on page 26, you can read how this initiative has built a strong safety culture at MFA over the past 10 years, as told by Communications intern Emma Steele.

Whether you’re behind the wheel of a sprayer, inside a grain bin or checking cattle at dawn, every task carries risk. But no one has to shoulder that risk alone. Building a culture of safety means looking out for the quiet signs—not just the obvious ones. Because, when something goes wrong, the cost isn’t just downtime. It’s the pain of injury, the strain on a family or the void left behind when someone doesn’t make it home.

At MFA, safety isn’t just a policy—it’s a priority. From feed mills and fertilizer plants to delivery routes and application services, we invest in training, equipment and protocols to keep our employees safe on the job. And we encourage the same on the farm. 

So here’s my challenge: Watch for those moments that matter. Listen for those phrases that are often said with the best intentions—trying to save time or push through a busy day—but indicate a mindset where speed, pride or routine override caution. If you hear “I’ll just be a minute,” stop and ask if it’s worth the risk. If you hear “I’m fine,” and something feels off, check again. Ask twice. Wait for the answer.

The most valuable assets on your farm—and in our facilities—are people. Take care of them, including yourself, inside and out.    

Check out more stories about safety in the August/September Today's Farmer Magazine.