Age a factor in Montana farm facilities. State Agriculture and Rural Leaders could have some answers.

Montana’s farm and ranch population is aging, and older workers in agriculture are more likely to become fatally injured in work-related accidents, according to statistics from Montana and surrounding states.

The good news is that the number of Montana fatalities in the category of agriculture, forestry and fishing declined to 45 in 2006, from 50 the previous year. The bad news is that agricultural operators and employees over the age of 65 account for a disproportionate share of fatal occupational injuries.

Full Story: http://www.theprairiestar.com/articles/2007/09/15/ag_news/updates/update45.txt

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As an organization that may have some answers, I also wanted to highlight a great organization I just learned about. State Agriculture and Rural Leaders http://www.agandruralleaders.org/agclips.htm is dedicated to promoting and fostering educational opportunities, cooperation and leadership among state legislators and other policy makers with a commitment to profitable agriculture and vibrant rural communities.

It serves to educate members and others on technology, policy, processes and issues that are of concern to agriculture and rural communities. The primary vehicles for this include an annual conference for state agriculture leaders and a weekly e-newsletter on state, national and global agriculture and rural issues.

To learn more about this organization, please contact

Carolyn Orr, Ph.D.

Strawridge

1545 Mundys Landing

Harrodsburg, KY 40330

(859)734.5438

Fax (859) 734.5840

Cell (859) 265.0658

[email protected]