As local farmers continue to diversify and plant an increasing number of nut crops, the Kings and Tulare County Farm Bureaus, along with State Fund, American Pistachio Growers and UCCE, are hosting the third annual nut harvest safety seminar.
Scheduled for Wednesday, July 19 at the Kings Fairgrounds in Hanford, this free training is directed toward nut commodity harvest equipment operators, crews and farm employees, in conjunction with farm managers/supervisors and growers. Harvest equipment for walnuts, almonds and pistachios will be included and safety materials will be provided.
Presentations will be made in both English and Spanish, with participants rotating between various sessions on nut harvest safety. Sessions will include presentations by the CHP on rules of the road to observe when pulling trailers and equipment, Cal-OSHA on avoiding heat stress, and State Compensation Insurance Fund will discuss the safe operation of nut harvest farm equipment.
John Ellis, Kings County Farm Bureau board member and seminar chairman, said that the event will provide valuable information to the growing number of area nut farmers.
“We recognize that our members are producing an ever-increasing acreage of nut crops, so we’re dedicating staff and our board of directors’ time to organize this program to be helpful and informative to our membership,” Ellis said. “The seminar has been so well received during the past two summers that we want to continue offering it.”
Those interested in registering for this free seminar should call the Tulare County Farm Bureau at (559) 732-8301 by Friday, July 14. Day-of registration will be held at 7:30am. During that time, staff from the United Way and Family Healthcare Network will be on hand to provide free health screening for participants. The training begins at 8am and ends at 1:30pm. Lunch will be provided, and participants will receive a certification of completion at the seminar’s conclusion.
For more information, please call the Kings County Farm Bureau office at (559) 584-3557.