South Carolina’s own Agriculture and Natural Resources Communicators for the Environment (ANRCE) ask that you broadcast the following Public Service Announcements during the month November 2001.

ANRCE is a coalition of communicators of public and private agencies and organizations concerned with agriculture and natural resources in South Carolina. The group banded together last year to launch a successful public awareness campaign. To continue the momentum that is underway, ANRCE is celebrating Farm-City Week, the week of Thanksgiving, by focusing on safety in the rural and urban areas of South Carolina. Both farm and city dwellers must work together for safety.

ANRCE includes communicators from 13 state and federal agencies and organizations representing: Clemson University, the SC Department of Agriculture, the SC Department of Natural Resources, the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, the SC Forestry Commission, the SC Farm Bureau, and USDA’s SC Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rural Development, National Agricultural Statistics Service, and National Forestry Service.

A Frustrating Situation (30 seconds)
Ever been late for an appointment, only to find yourself following a tractor? That can be frustrating, but don’t let emotions get the best of you. The time it takes to follow a tractor even two miles is about the same as hitting two red lights while driving through town.

So when you find yourself behind a tractor, relax and wait until you can safely pass. A little patience can go a long way.

This message is brought to you by this station, South Carolina’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Communicators and the National Safety Council.

Say No to Extra Riders and Yes To a Safe Future (15 seconds)
South Carolina’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Communicators and the National Safety Council encourage parents and guardians of children to voluntarily prohibit children from riding on farm equipment. Children and adults riding on a tractor can be severely injured or killed if they fall off the tractor. Say no to extra riders and yes to a safe future.

How Slow Is Slow? (30 seconds)
We all know that spine-tingling chill when we pop over a hill to find a slow-moving vehicle ahead of us.

It takes split-second reactions. In fact, even if you’re following a tractor from a distance you’re closing the safety gap between the two of you at an average rate of about 59 feet per second. That’s the length of a football field in just five seconds.

Many farm vehicles are on the road this time of year. Be prepared and drive defensively.

This message is brought to you by this station, South Carolina’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Communicators and the National Safety Council.

Use Some Understanding (30 seconds)
Country roads can be beautiful in the fall. But always be on the lookout for farm vehicles on those roads. Farmers must transport grain and other harvest equipment to and from fields. Sometimes it’s slow-going, which can be frustrating to both farmers and motorists who use the same roads to get back and forth to work.

Show some understanding when you come upon farm vehicles, slow down, keep your eyes on the road, and wait until it is safe to pass.

This message is brought to you by this station, South Carolina’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Communicators, and the National Safety Council.

Highway Safety for Farm and Ranch Residents (30 seconds)
Many farm residents are seriously injured or killed each year in automobile accidents. It is important that as motorists that you make sure you and everyone in the vehicle wear their seat belt. All children should be securely fastened in the seat belt and placed in the back seat. To prepare you better for possible driving hazards Defensive Driving classes are available around the country.

This message is brought to you by this station, South Carolina’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Communicators, and the National Safety Council.

Chemicals and Kids Don’t Mix (15 seconds)
South Carolina’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Communicators and the National Safety Council remind parents on the farm and in the city that chemicals and kids can be a deadly combination.

Keep pesticides and other toxins away from youngsters. Remind them that chemical storage areas are “Off Limits” as playgrounds. And, after using toxic chemicals, immediately clean and dispose of the containers. Remember that a poisoning can happen in the time it takes to turn your back.

Rural Highway Risks (30 seconds)
Harvest season means an increase in farm machinery traffic on rural highways. As farmers rush to meet harvest deadlines, vehicles and farm machinery will be on the road. The Agriculture and NaturalNational Safety Council urges you to follow these driving guidelines.

If your farm equipment operates at less than 25 miles per hour, be sure to get a slow-moving vehicle emblem that is clearly visible from the rear.
Use flashing hazard lights to warn other vehicles about wide loads and frequent turns.

Remember, road safety can prevent your harvest drive from becoming a one way trip.

This message is brought to you by this station, South Carolina’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Communicators, and the National Safety Council.

For more information about agriculture and natural resources in South Carolina, call a member of ANARCE listed below:

Clemson University
Dr. Neil Ogg , Director of Regulatory and Public Service Programs – 864-646-2120
Roy Scott, Director of Marketing & Public Relations - 864-656-4391
Negar Edwards, Special Projects Coordinator, 864-646-2120

Palmetto Farm Credit
Miriam Pflug -  864-585-6234

SC Department of Agriculture
Becky Walton, Public Information Director - 803-734-2182

SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
Jan Easterling, Public Information Director - 803-898-3884

SC Department of Natural Resources
Mike Willis, Executive Assistant for Media - 803-734-4133

SC Farm Bureau
Reggie Hall, Communications Director  - 803-796-6700

SC-FFA Association
John Parris, SC-FFA Public Affairs – 803-771-0520

SC Forestry Commission
Jennie Morris, Information & Education - 803-896-8852
Anne Kyle, Information & Education - 803-896-8845

USDA Farm Service Agency - SC
Mack Eubanks, Communications Coordinator - 803-806-3856

USDA –Forestry Service
Gwen Beavans - 864-561-4091
Stephanie Neal Johnson - 864-427-9858

USDA - National Agricultural Statistics Service - SC
Bob Graham, State Statistician - 803-765-5333

USDA National Resources Conservation Service - SC
Amy  Maxwell – State Public Affairs Specialist - 803-765-5419

USDA - Rural Development - SC
Marsha Walters, Public Information Coordinator – 803-765-5573