Margie Margentino, Former Program Associate, Animal Sciences
Karyn Malinowski, Director, Equine Science Center
Sara Malone, Teaching Instructor, Department of Animal Sciences
Accident-proofing your farm is one of the most important tasks you will ever do. It takes a lot of time, effort and planning to ensure that family, employees, and visitors will be as safe as possible. Brief visitors on what to expect on the farm, and do not leave them unsupervised to minimize the risk of accidents.
Unfortunately, no matter how well you and all those directly involved in farm operations prepare, train, and follow safe farm operation procedures, the farm owner or manager always runs the risk of “unwanted visitors.” There are numerous reasons why people wander onto farmland. Most people trespass for recreational or non-farming purposes such as hunting, fishing, swimming, and picnicking – all of which usually take place without permission of farm management. It is in the best interest of farm management to discourage unwanted visitors because they can be a liability.
This fact sheet will provide farm owners and managers with information and ideas that will help management identify and eliminate “attractive nuisances” and also help lessen the chance of unwanted visitors becoming injured on your farm.
Take the time to walk around the farm and note areas of possible problems. By correcting hazards you are taking an active part in helping to reduce the number of unwanted visitors, injuries, and lawsuits that can occur on your property.
- National Safety Council/Farm Family Insurance. “Your Farm Safety Is No Accident.” 1990.
- New Jersey Statutes Annotated. Title 23-Fish and Game Laws. 1999.
- State of New Jersey. P.L. 1997. Chapter 287. Approved January 8, 1998.
- Virginia Cooperative Extension. “Fencing Materials for Livestock Systems.” Publication #442-131. 2003.
- New Jersey State Senate, No. 2982. 217th Legislature. Introduced January 30, 2017. (njleg.state.nj.us/2016/Bills/S3000/2982_I1.HTM).