Chronicle Editorial

Stay Safe
     With the leaves of soybean plants and corn stalks beginning to yellow, comes the sign of the season. The fall harvest is nearly upon Iowa.
     Farming has been an institution of civilization since the first settled cities, dating back centuries ago. It’s what allowed for the philosophical, scientific and technological advancements that we take for granted today. Having a stable food supply allowed humans to devote their attention elsewhere, and discover new things.
     Sadly though, while centuries have passed, the work of farming has still remained as hostile as ever.
     According to the International Labour Organization, agriculture employs 1.3 billion people worldwide, half of the world’ population force. It is the third most dangerous workplace, with an estimated 170,000 deaths per year from tractor rollovers, grain suffocation, fumes, goring, electrocution and heat stroke. While advancements have made farming more efficient, the machinery has just gotten that much more dangerous.
     While we here know that in farming, time is money, the safety to farm another day is imperative. We wish our local farmers the very best of luck in a bountiful harvest season, but also urge safety.
     Take the quick second to double check machinery, double check your aides and read the labels. Iowa is built on small farming communities, of individuals that forge inseparable bonds with one another. The community needs everyone to feel like home.
     Stay safe.