Identify public safety issues pertaining to agricultural operations.

Identification should include an awareness of public safety issues pertaining to

  • chemical handling
  • air emissions/releases (e.g., organic dust)
  • surface and ground water contamination/farm runoff
  • crop production
  • production of livestock, poultry, and aquaculture (e.g., beef, dairy, swine, and poultry)
  • animal/hazardous waste disposal
  • equipment and livestock transportation
  • residues in meat and milk (e.g., pesticides, antibiotics)
  • food safety issues (e.g., e-coli outbreaks in lettuce)
  • custom hire
  • farm-use vehicles
  • equipment transportation.

Process/Skill Questions:

  • How can applying fertilizers/pesticides affect the community around a farm?
  • What are the dangers of farm runoff?
  • What agencies help educate the public about these hazards?
  • What are the laws associated with farm-use and off-road vehicles?
  • Why is it important to understand laws of nearby states and localities?

Teacher Resources: