"Not Just For Farmers Anymore"

In 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the proclamation declaring the third week of September to be National Farm Safety and Health Week!  The agriculture industry is the most dangerous in the United States having a death rate of 3.2%!  As you are reading this, I’m sure you’re thinking I don’t live on a farm so why should I learn farm safety.  Well my answer is as clear as the title of the article!

                You are driving down a road used by many farmers and you’re speeding because you are going to be late for a meeting, when suddenly you rear-end a tractor causing him to roll over.  Now what could you have done differently to have prevented this, it’s as simple as learning farm safety.  During harvest season, you will see more tractors on the road trying to get the job done before the winter snow falls. While driving on a rural roads, you should always look for signs of a farm or farm equipment.  All farm equipment should be labeled with an orange triangle displayed on the back warning you that it’s a slow moving vehicle.  I know many of you get impatient when following slow moving vehicles but always remain calm and have some patience; the driver will pull over when possible, they don’t drive on the road to torture you, they do it to feed you.  To ensure your safety, follow at a safe distance so the driver can see that you are behind them.  Do not honk because most likely they won’t hear you over the engine.  Also, set a good role model for the children in the car so when they start driving they know the correct way to drive.  Now with this knowledge you won’t become one of the many statistics, last year in Pennsylvania there were 87 accidents involving farm equipment with two being fatal.

                Throughout the week, don’t forget to learn other safety rules!  When outside in the woods preparing for archery season, remember to wear long pants and always check for ticks the moment you come back in.  Riding ATVs can always be fun until someone gets hurt so remember your protective gear!  Also label all chemicals because it can be difficult to determine which one is a chemical or a drink.  If you would like to know more about farm safety hop on farmsafetyforjustkids.org and if you would like to have a presentation for your organization email me at sarah15.jefferis@gmail.com. 

Happy Shroomtember!!

I’m sure many of you were shocked and curious to read this especially after the title.  Well did you know that September is National Mushroom Month, also known as “Shroomtember”? This is a big deal for many Pennsylvanians’ since we are the leading producer in the United States thanks to a small town in Chester County!  Kennett Square is known as the Mushroom Capital of the World producing half of America’s mushrooms yearly.  This mushroom growing area was started by the Quakers when they brought over mushrooms to continue the growing industry.  In southeastern Pennsylvania, the soil is perfect, due to its dampness, that the mushrooms double their size daily.

                Mushrooms are extremely healthy for you as you may know they have great benefits for you!  These vegetables are low in calories, fat free, low in sodium, cholesterol free and naturally gluten free, along with many nutrients such as selenium (antioxidants), riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin D, and potassium.  “Shrooms” are used in various weight management diets with all of its rich nutrients and there are many studies being done stating that mushrooms decrease the likelihood of tumor growth.  Many folklores say that in ancient times, rulers actually decreed that no commoners could have mushrooms since they enjoyed them so much.  They also believed that mushrooms gave them super-human strength and led their soul to the realm of the gods.

                In celebration of Shroomtember, try a different mushroom dish for every day! I know this month, my family and I are trying “Meatball Stuffed Mushrooms”! You can find any recipe on Google, Facebook or my favorite, Pinterest, so step out of the box and try something new.  After enjoying a new favorite meal, share it on Facebook so many more can celebrate Shroomtember with you!  Happy Shroomtember and enjoy all your delicious mushrooms meals!

                                                                                                                                           Sarah Jefferis

                                                                                             2014-2015 Huntingdon County Fair Queen