Farm safety should always be a top priority across Canada, especially for kids living and growing up on or near farms. The province of In Saskatchewan’s Progressive Agriculture Safety Days help children learn important safety lessons in a fun and engaging way.
These events are organized by the Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies and Exhibitions (SAASE) with support from the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA). Around 15 events are held every year, educating nearly 5,000 students, thanks to over 500 volunteers who donate their time and energy.
The program began in 2012 after a discussion with the agriculture minister revealed a gap in safety education. Since then, the initiative has grown to reflect local needs. For example, some events include lessons on bear trap safety in northern areas, while others may focus on machinery or chemical safety.
"We're lucky to have so many dedicated agricultural society volunteers throughout the province who work on this and recognize how important it is to teach our kids about safety," said Glen Duck of SAASE. "Agricultural societies have for long been gathering places for people and have always done a lot of work as far as agricultural education is concerned, and they continue to be the heart of the communities they serve."
Adding to the excitement, the Kids FarmSafe Week Coloring Contest offers children aged 3 to 13 a chance to showcase their artistic skills and learn about farm safety. Running from May 6 to 30, 2025, the contest offers prizes like $25 Visa gift cards and BASF merchandise.
To enter, kids must download a coloring page from the CASA website, color it, and submit it by email or social media. This initiative brings farm safety to life through creativity and helps build awareness at an early age.