Peosta, IA -  Agriculture continues to rank as one of the most dangerous occupations in North America. According to the National Safety Council, there were 703 deaths and 90,000 disabling injuries attributed to agriculture in 2005. President Bush has issued a proclamation declaring September 16 – 22, 2007 as National Farm Safety and Health Week. This year’s theme for Farm Safety & Health Week is, “It’s easier to bury a tradition than a child.”

The theme for this year’s National Farm Safety and Health Week comes from the Children’s Ag Safety Network (CASN). A network of Children’s Farm Safety organizations, CASN, is committed to reducing children injuries and fatalities that has launched a national media campaign with a simple message: children younger than 12 years old should not be on or near tractors.

National Farm Safety & Health Week is an annual promotion from the National Safety Council commemorating the hard work, diligence, and sacrifices of our nation’s farmers and ranchers. The 2007 event marks the 64th consecutive signing of a proclamation by a U.S. President, beginning with FDR in 1944. Future dates are:

• September 21-27, 2008
• September 20-26, 2009

The National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the roads, through leadership, research, education and advocacy.