Prioritizing Farm Safety and Wellbeing During National Farm Safety and Health Week

Free webinars provide resources to protect farmers' mental and physical health

Richmond, Va. - In observance of National Farm Safety and Health Week September 21 - 25, 2026, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) encourages the Commonwealth's agricultural producers and the public to focus on farm safety and farmer wellness. National Farm Safety and Health Week is recognized annually during the third week of September, when fall harvest time brings one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for the agricultural industry.

In addition to being two of the Commonwealth's largest private industries, agriculture and forestry also rank among Virginia's most hazardous occupations. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, in 2024 the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting sector recorded 475 fatal work injuries in the U.S. The sector continues to hold the highest fatal injury rate of any major industry, standing at 20.9 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. Of the fatalities recorded in this sector in 2024, 233 were transportation incidents.

"Farm Safety and Health Week is a perfect opportunity to both appreciate our farmers and spread awareness of the risks associated with working in agriculture, while promoting safe practices," said VDACS Commissioner Charles Green. "One of the biggest hazards farmers face this time of year is on rural roads. When sharing Virginia roads with large farm machinery, I ask motorists to please slow down and exercise patience."

In addition to the hazards and physical challenges of working in agriculture, an often-overlooked health factor is the mental burden of non-controllable facts, such as severe weather and market volatility. Farm Safety and Health Week is an opportunity to not only promote farm safety, but to also encourage the complete and total well-being of Virginia's agricultural producers and their families.

In recognition of National Farm Safety and Health Week, AgriSafe is offering 11 free webinars throughout the week, featuring experts who will share practical information, resources, and strategies to support a safer, healthier agricultural workforce. Webinar topics include safe roads, mental health and suicide prevention, noise exposure, confined space, disaster preparedness, cancer risk, and occupational safety hazards such as fatigue. For more information and to register, visit the AgriSafe Learning Opportunities webpage.