Family Farming Accidents and Expertise in the Corn Belt, 1940-1975: Iowa and the Midwest

: The Perils of Rural Life

Harvest of Hazards: Family Farming, Accidents, and Expertise in the Corn Belt, 1940-1975 (Iowa and the Midwest Experience)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	4360 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	270 pages

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Farming has always been a dangerous occupation, and it was especially so in the years following World War II. In the Corn Belt region of Iowa, farm accidents were a leading cause of death and injury, particularly among family farmers.

This article examines the causes and consequences of farm accidents in the Corn Belt during the years 1940-1975. It also explores the efforts that were made to reduce the number of accidents and improve safety on family farms.

Causes of Farm Accidents

There were many factors that contributed to farm accidents, including:

• The use of dangerous machinery, such as tractors and combines
• The presence of livestock, which could be unpredictable and dangerous
• The long hours and hard work that were required to run a family farm
• The lack of safety regulations and training for farmers

As a result of these factors, farm accidents were common. In the years 1940-1975, there were an average of 100 farm-related deaths in Iowa each year.

Consequences of Farm Accidents

Farm accidents had a devastating impact on families and communities. The deaths of farmers left behind widows and orphans who struggled to cope with the loss of their loved ones. Injuries could result in permanent disabilities, making it difficult for farmers to continue working.

In addition to the human cost, farm accidents also had a significant economic impact. The loss of a farmer could lead to a decline in farm productivity, and the cost of medical care for injured farmers could be a financial burden on families.

Efforts to Reduce Farm Accidents

In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a growing awareness of the problem of farm accidents. A number of organizations, including the National Safety Council and the Iowa Farm Bureau, began to develop programs to reduce the number of accidents.

These programs focused on a variety of measures, including:

• The development of safety regulations for farm machinery
• The provision of safety training for farmers
• The promotion of safer farming practices
• The establishment of rural emergency medical services

These efforts helped to reduce the number of farm accidents in the Corn Belt. In the years since 1975, the number of farm-related deaths in Iowa has declined by more than 50%.

: The Legacy of Farm Accidents

Farm accidents were a major problem in the Corn Belt region of Iowa in the years 1940-1975. These accidents had a devastating impact on families, communities, and the economy.

However, thanks to the efforts of safety organizations and farmers themselves, the number of farm accidents has declined significantly in recent years. Today, farming is still a dangerous occupation, but it is much safer than it was in the past.

Harvest of Hazards: Family Farming, Accidents, and Expertise in the Corn Belt, 1940-1975 (Iowa and the Midwest Experience)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4360 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	270 pages

FREE