Nationwide: Pre-Planting Safety Practices

Springtime on the farm is often the busiest, and, most dangerous, season of the year. To avoid accidents and injuries, take time before the planting season arrives to focus on safety. Southern States and Nationwide® Agribusiness Insurance have a few safety tips to share that can help save time, reduce headaches, and possibly save lives.

Get a jump on the season by making early preparations on the farm. Inspect all of your farm equipment and make sure it is in good working order before you need to use it. Jerry Hillard, AVP of Farm Sales for Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance recommends that "producers make sure they are ready for the planting season, and, most importantly, are following safe procedures."

What is the best way to get ready? When it comes to safety, learn what to look for and what to know before you start planting. When inspecting farm equipment, pay close attention to hoses, wiring, fuel lines, belts and fittings. Always check your brakes to make sure they work properly. Verify that all exposed power take off (PTO) units are properly guarded. Before taking equipment on the road, make sure that the slow moving vehicle (SMV) emblems are clearly visible in a prominent place and in good condition. Be sure to replace any worn or faded emblems for optimal safety on public roads.

If you have any questions about safety around the farm, or, if you are not quite sure what to look for, ask a Nationwide Agribusiness agent. By setting up an appointment to review your farm safety practices, a farm insurance agent can walk through your buildings, inspect your equipment and point out potential hazards while sharing helpful safety tips.

Once spring planting season arrives, follow good safety procedures. Be sure to slow down and take the proper precautions. Many accidents can be avoided if you just pay extra attention to what you're doing. During planting season, use caution when lifting heavy items such as seed bags. Another important safety tip is to never allow riders on tractors, farm wagons or inside the bed of a pickup truck.

Special Member Savings

At Southern States ®, we are proud to be a farmer-owned cooperative. Southern States has partnered with Nationwide ® to offer Southern States Cooperative member-producers in North Carolina and Virginia special discounts on farm insurance. In addition to giving you exclusive insurance savings, we're also joining forces to support the cooperative that means so much to you.

Nationwide^® Agribusiness is the number 1 insurer of farms in the U.S. and a leading insurer of commercial agribusiness. Go to nationwide.com/southernstates to find a local agent.