I love this time of year. The sky is blue, the grass is inching toward green, and despite the bite of a late winter cold snap, flowers are popping up across the countryside once again. It’s nice to see the landscape come alive as our surroundings shift from dull browns and greys to a kaleidoscope of color and activity.

This time of year, our FFA chapters are gearing up for state convention, and high school seniors are counting down the days until graduation. That same anticipation of, “what’s to come,” is just as strong on the farm. Calves, lambs and foals are hitting the ground. Machine shed doors are open with the breeze flowing through as folks get equipment ready for spring planting. In some parts of the state, farmers are already in the field, and the rest will soon follow.

It’s a great time of year to be in rural Missouri, but it can also be a dangerous time. As often as the days are beautiful, the weather can shift quickly and tighten an already narrow window of time to get work done. Add a challenging farm economy to a pressing weather forecast, and stress levels in agriculture begin to rise.

Whether on the farm, in the office, or around the house, we all want to operate on our own timeline, but outside forces can hinder that progress. In those moments, it’s easy to rush and cut corners, especially when it comes to safety.

March 30 through April 3 is Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week. While that’s the official name, it also serves as a timely spring reminder to slow down and be intentional in all we do, on the farm and away. Give yourself, your neighbors, coworkers and friends a little extra time, a little extra space, and a little extra grace. We never truly know what others are facing, and accidents due to our impatience, can impact not only us, but also those around us, and the first responders who may need to come to our rescue.

From grain and livestock handling to farm equipment and highway safety, a little extra time and grace can go a long way in ensuring everyone makes it home safely at the end of the day.

To participate in virtual farm safety learning sessions, visit the website, Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week. Additional resources are also available through the Missouri Department of Agriculture at FarmSafety.mo.gov.