Shifting gears for ag students

THE National Centre for Farmer Health has launched a series of school-based resources to educate secondary students about the importance of farm safety.

The program, Shifting Gears, features stories from four diverse agricultural businesses and provides insights into ways safety plays a role in agriculture today. 

Shifting Gears is designed for middle and senior school students who are living on farms, studying agriculture and horticulture, completing work experience, and/or interested in pursuing a career in this field. 

“Shifting Gears is a unique program that fills a gap in the curriculum,” NCFH director Dr Alison Kennedy said.

“This is an important step forward.

“Our aim is to empower young people to be part of creating a farm safety culture which encourages lifelong safe practices in farming.

“Our team is proud to support educators in delivering farm safety education — and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of the program on students, their families and their communities. 

“Thanks to the support of Rural Bank, Shifting Gears videos will be freely accessible on our NCFH website and YouTube channel.”

Rural Bank head of agribusiness development Andrew Smith said they were proud to support the program.

“We know the importance of delivering messages in a relatable way is key to the uptake of learning, and believe that NCFH has been able to achieve this,” he said.

To find out more, visit www.farmerhealth.org.au.