On June 10, 2026, Lacombe County hosted their annual Farm Safety Day. The Participants include more that 300 Grade 5 students from 11 different schools within Lacombe County. This was a day of close up and hands-on learning focused on some of the most common hazards presented on a rural property or farm. 

Throughout the day the various school groups rotated through the eight interactive safety presentations delivered by industry experts and local organizations. Each station focused on a different aspect of farm and rural safety, allowing students to gain everyday knowledge from professionals with real-world experience.

This year the presentations included:

Fire safety, hosted by the Bentley Fire Department; 

ATV safety, presented by Lacombe County; 

Grain safety, led by the Clive Seed Cleaning Plant;

Lawn mower safety, presented by Lacombe County; 

Heavy equipment and blind spot safety, also hosted by Lacombe County; 

Post pounder safety, presented by Lacombe County; 

Chemical safety, hosted by Co-op Agriscience; and

Sun safety, presented by DFL.

The event appeared to be a tremendous success, with students actively participating and engaging with presenters. The hands-on format allowed children to get up close to the equipment that can pose serious risks if not operated or approached safely. By seeing the machinery firsthand and learning directly from experts, students gained a better understanding of the importance of safety, awareness and responsible behaviour.

Farm safety has become an essential part of the school curriculum; this type of opportunity is a practical way to reinforce these lessons. For many children in Central Alberta, farms are a part of everyday life. Whether they live on a farm, have family involved in agriculture, or simply visit rural properties, understanding potential hazards is essential.

Learning the basics of equipment safety, recognizing dangerous situations, and understanding proper safety procedures are important life skills for young people growing up in rural communities. Events like this Farm Safety Day help equip students with the knowledge they need to make safe decisions and reduce the risk of accidents.

Through community partnerships and continued education, events like these continue to play an important role in promoting safety and awareness for the next generation.