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Safety Training Resources for Farmers

Good farm safety training exists in many places, and much of it is free or low cost. Knowing where to look saves time and helps you choose training you can trust.

Where should you start looking for farm safety training?

Your state land-grant university extension service is a natural first stop. Many extension programs publish farm safety guides, host workshops and can point you to local trainers. Examples include extension sites from Penn State, Texas A&M AgriLife, Purdue and others.

National organizations also provide material. NIOSH runs an agriculture program, the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety supports training, and the Progressive Agriculture Foundation focuses on safety education for children and families.

• State extension services
• NIOSH agriculture program
• National Education Center for Agricultural Safety
• Progressive Agriculture Foundation

What kinds of resources are available?

Resources range from short fact sheets to full courses. Fact sheets are good for a quick refresher on a single topic. Videos and online modules let you learn at your own pace. Hands-on workshops let you practice with supervision.

Match the format to the hazard. Topics involving physical skill, such as first aid, equipment operation and emergency response, are best learned in person.

Printed material still has a place. A laminated checklist near a shop door or a sheet of emergency numbers by the phone reaches people who will never log into a course. Short videos can start a good crew discussion, as long as someone follows up with questions about your own farm.

• Fact sheets and checklists for planning
• Videos and webinars for background knowledge
• Online courses for flexible learning
• In-person workshops for hands-on skills

How do you judge whether training is trustworthy?

Look at who runs it. Land-grant universities, government agencies, recognized nonprofits and manufacturers tend to have clear expertise and accountability. Be careful with programs that make dramatic promises, that pressure you to buy something or that cannot name their sources.

Check that the material is current. Rules, equipment and recommendations change, so a guide from many years ago may be out of date. If a resource states a legal requirement, confirm it with OSHA, the Department of Labor or your state agency.

When in doubt, ask. An extension educator can tell you quickly whether a resource is reliable and who offers something similar nearby.

What topics deserve priority on your farm?

Think about the hazards that are most likely on your operation: machinery, livestock, grain handling, chemicals, heights, vehicles, heat or stress. Ask family and workers what worries them, and look at any close calls from recent years.

For serious hazards such as grain bins, confined spaces, power take-off equipment and chemicals, general reading is not enough. Seek recognized hands-on training and follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions and official guidance.

Ask a trainer how a topic applies to your specific crops, animals and buildings, because general advice may need adjusting.

Is there help for health and wellbeing?

Agricultural health groups such as the AgriSafe Network focus on the health of farmers and farm workers. Extension programs also offer stress-management and mental health resources designed for rural communities.

If you or someone you know is in distress, in the US you can call or text 988, and in an emergency call 911.

How do you turn training into habits?

Training only helps if it changes what happens on the farm. After a course, pick one or two things to apply right away, and share what you learned with family and workers.

Schedule refreshers on a regular basis and keep a simple record of who has been trained in what. That also helps when new people join.

Share one lesson at the next family or crew meeting, so learning spreads beyond the person who attended.

How can you share training with neighbors and community?

Training often works better with others. Neighbors may share the same hazards, and a group can ask an extension educator or trainer to come to the area. Farm bureaus, cooperatives, churches and school ag programs sometimes host sessions.

Consider working with local first responders. Fire and rescue crews who know the farms in their area, the layouts and the common hazards are better prepared if a call ever comes. Invite them to visit, and ask what information would help them reach you faster.

• Ask a local group to host a session
• Invite fire and rescue crews to tour your farm
• Share handouts and notes with neighbors
• Trade ideas about what worked

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.