MOUNT CRAWFORD VA: (Rocktown Now) – The annual Houston Bowman Progressive Agriculture Farm Safety Day is set for Saturday, March 28, offering local youth a full day of hands-on demonstrations, safety education, and interactive learning at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds.

In advance of the event, Olivia Brown, Farm Safety Day Coordinator with Sentara RMH Community Health, and Art Mitchell, longtime planning committee member and veteran farm safety advocate, visited WSVA Radio to highlight the purpose and importance of the program.

A Day to Teach Lifesaving Lessons

Brown says this year’s event will combine fun with highly practical training aimed at keeping kids safe on farms and around agricultural equipment.

“We’re planning a fun-filled day full of education, demonstrations, and really impactful conversation,” Brown said. “We want kids to learn what they can do to prevent accidents from happening and leave with new skills to keep themselves and others safe.”

New topics this year include:

  • Food safety
  • Home-alone safety
  • Disability awareness

These sessions join familiar staples such as fire safety, ATV safety, large animal safety, and PTO (power take-off) safety. All programming is tailored to third- through eighth‑grade students.

Every child who pre-registers will receive a free goodie bag, and lunch is included. Local sponsors have also donated an array of raffle prizes for participating families.

Mitchell: “If We Save One Person, It’s a Good Day”

For committee member Art Mitchell, farm safety is more than a passion — it’s personal. A former teacher and farmer, Mitchell lost both legs in a farming accident in 1978. He has spent decades using his experience to advocate for vigilance on farms.

“I don’t want anyone, young or old, getting caught in an agricultural machine accident,” Mitchell said. “This equipment is good and modern, but farming remains a dangerous occupation. Accidents happen in a second.”

Mitchell emphasized key safety principles: staying alert, avoiding distractions like cell phones, reading equipment manuals and safety decals, and recognizing potential hazards such as steep slopes when operating zero‑turn mowers or unexpected field obstacles.

He also encourages families to look out for one another, especially during long harvest days.

“Sometimes just bringing someone a drink and giving them a short break can prevent fatigue and help them stay focused,” he said.

Mitchell added that accidents often occur shortly after switching from one task to another — something he reflected on from his own experience coming home from teaching and heading straight into fieldwork.

Teaching Respect for Farm Animals and the Environment

Brown noted that safety education extends beyond machinery. Many children unfamiliar with farms may mistakenly believe they can approach animals the way they see in movies.

“It’s tempting for kids to get close to animals, but it’s not always safe,” she said. “Our demonstrations are led by experts who help children understand how animals behave and how to interact with them carefully.”

This message resonates in a region where more families are purchasing small farms or large rural properties, often using equipment they have little experience with.

Event Details and Registration

  • Date: Saturday, March 28
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
  • Location: Rockingham County Fairground
  • Registration Phone Number: 540‑564‑3080

Brown and Mitchell encourage families to register early to secure their child’s spot and goodie bag.

“If we save one person from getting wrapped up in a piece of equipment,” Mitchell said, “then it’s been a good day.”