About NECAS

We have been helping to keep farms safe since 1944
That's when the National Safety Council encouraged President Franklin D. Roosevelt to sign the first National Farm Safety Week proclamation, bringing attention to the hazards and risks of farm work. National Farm Safety and Health Week has been recognized by Presidential Proclamation from every President since then.

Engineering advancements were developed by tractor and other equipment manufacturers. These advancements do reduce injuries - but only when they are used properly. Nearly half of all tractors in the U.S. are older models without rollover protective structures (ROPS). Many operators of tractors with ROPS don't use the seatbelt. Power take-off guarding is often removed during maintenance and not replaced. Slow-moving vehicle emblems fade over time.

Education and training picks up where engineering leaves off
For years, NSC helped raise awareness of safety issues in rural communities. In 1994, a pilot course was held at Northeast Iowa Community College. This partnership was so well received; Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed legislation providing $1 million to construct a farm safety training center. In 1997, the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) opened its doors to the farming community.

NECAS has expanded its reach by developing partnerships with colleges and other educational centers across the country. We work closely with agribusiness personnel, other organizations and agencies that share our goals. Our staff are exploring new routes to bring safety and health messages home to rural communities. We are working to partner and exchange ideas with our neighbors in Canada and other countries.