Summer brings longer days and warmer weather. However, it also means a busier time for farmers. Before you tackle your summer farming to-do list, check out these tips for staying safe. 

Farms are a rare combination of workplace and home. Because kids grow up "at home" on the farm, we may not think to give them the same kind of safety training we expect in a workplace. 

It's not uncommon for a construction or landscaping company, for example, to hold weekly tailgate talks reminding employees of job site hazards and the steps they can take to stay safe. 

Try the same tactics with kids on the farm. 

If you own a home, chances are you own a ladder. Since they're such common tools, it's easy to forget just how dangerous they can be. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 97 percent of ladder falls occur at home or on farms. Falls from a household ladder can easily cause sprains, broken bones, or worse. 

Always remember to think before you climb. 

Kevin Schock's Story

Most people would probably consider someone who majored in agricultural studies and minored in agronomy at Iowa State University to be more than proficient when it comes to farm knowledge. Tack on actual firsthand farming experience, and you have a true expert.

Summer is filled with outdoor activities. Whether you're camping, hiking, or doing some general exploring, it's important that you check for ticks. There are many ways to prevent ticks, but even the most precautionary individuals can be vulnerable and may need to know how to treat a tick bite in the short and long term.