Youth Agriculture Safety Resource Directory

Finding a safety answer is easier when you begin with the person or organization that owns the decision. An Extension educator can help plan an activity. A veterinarian can advise on an individual animal. A weather office can issue alerts. The fairground’s friendliest uncle may know where they park the trailers, which is a valuable qualification of its own.

Project planning and work assignments

Start with the Agricultural Youth Work Guidelines from the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety. Look up the specific task and review readiness and supervision with the adult responsible. The University of Minnesota Extension’s youth farm safety guide addresses common concerns for youth at working farms.

For an employment question, consult the U.S. Department of Labor agricultural employment guidance and the applicable state labor office. Write down the worker’s age, proposed task, location and hours before calling. Ask which rules apply to those facts, then keep a copy of the answer where the supervisor can refer to it.

Equipment, pesticides and weather

Review the OSHA agricultural operations resources for reference material on equipment and other workplace hazards. For pesticide-related questions, consult the EPA Agricultural Worker Protection Standard and the site’s responsible adult. A state agency or Extension specialist can direct questions about local requirements.

Give the adult assigned to weather decisions access to the National Weather Service lightning safety guidance and the CDC’s heat health guidance. Print the site’s shelter plan and keep it with the event lead. Rangers may have signal on the hill. A member standing behind a metal barn with a borrowed phone may have a rather different communications experience.

Animals, people and public events

Start with the show’s official handbook and animal health contact. For transport between states, review the USDA APHIS interstate movement reference with an accredited veterinarian and check the destination requirements. For public contact with animals, consult the CDC animal exhibit guidance. Ask organizers where handwashing is available and how eating areas are separated from the animals.

Put local contacts in one place

Use the Youth Ag Programs directory to find your state or area and locate local Extension, club, chapter or agency contacts. Confirm who has authority to answer your question. For supervision standards, ask the program office for current policy. For food service, ask the organizer and the local health authority what approvals apply.

For training, use the American Red Cross first aid class finder and confirm which certifications your program accepts. Ask the program which adults need current training and when it expires. Store training records with the program staff member responsible for event approval.

Keep one dated page with the event address, emergency access route, location of first-aid resources, responsible adults and current decision contacts. Review it before each event. A handbook may answer a question about next month’s entry. A current contact sheet helps the day the gate is locked and three vans have already arrived.