<h2>Example</h2>
With all the new technology available at our finger tips, there are many ways farms can create smarter, more productive, and more sustainable processes. A clear example of smart farming that you can see in many farms today is the use of sensors to monitor parameters like soil quality, light levels, ambient temperature, and humidity. That way, workers know exactly what the plants would need to have the best quality and quantity during harvest without wasting or using too many resources.
Another example of smart farming is the use of AI and autonomous <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/agricultural-machinery/">machines</a> to perform certain tasks. For example, many modern farms have begun using autonomous tractors that don’t require a human to control it. That way, human labor can be used for other tasks while the tractors perform their job autonomously, safely, and effectively.
Many farms have also started adopting different software that utilizes IoT for even more efficient operations. Through these setups, farm managers can control various aspects of the farm through a smart device or a computer, greatly reducing the need for manual labor.
<h2>Traditional vs Smart Farming</h2>
A great way to fully grasp the concept of smart farming and its importance is by comparing it to traditional farming methods. While farming itself was a huge innovation for humankind and allowed us to further grow as a species, traditional farming methods are slowly becoming outdated and inefficient.
For example, in traditional farming, much of the labor needs to be done manually. This includes planting crops, maintaining them, and harvesting them at the end of the cycle. This method involves many more resources and can result in a lot of waste, which is why the agricultural sector has a major effect on our environment.
However, with an IoT-powered system, farms can drastically reduce the amount of manual labor needed while increasing precision. On top of that, it gives farmers much more precise control over their crops and resources. This allows you to only your resources when needed and produce much higher-quality crops without producing that much waste.
Currently, we’re seeing a shift in traditional farming methods into more technology-driven practices. This holds a huge potential for the industry as not only does it reduce waste and the heavy environmental impact of farming, but it improves crop quality and quantity, helping farmers become more flexible to shifting demands and stay compliant to regulations concerning <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/good-agricultural-practices/">good agricultural practices</a>.
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<h2>How IoT Affects the Farming Cycle</h2>
The traditional farming cycle is quite straightforward and easy to understand. And while IoT and smart farming can affect this cycle, it doesn’t change it that much. The entire goal of IoT is to collect data and input, which is then transported over the internet to another device.
That way, any issues or problems that the <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/internet-of-things/iot-devices/">IoT sensors</a> catch are reported immediately, giving the farmers a clearer window for them to act on the problems. So, under an IoT or smart system, the farming cycle will look something like this:
Observation &#8211; The process begins with sensors and other devices observing soil conditions, temperature, humidity, and other parameters. From there, it records the data that it observes.
Diagnosis &#8211; After the data is transmitted via the internet, the IoT platform will decide the best course of action. These platforms are equipped with complex algorithms that are able to dictate the best action based on specific observations.
Decision &#8211; The next step is deciding which specific action to take based on the data. This could be done by a person or a machine-learning system. Alternatively, both the AI IoT platform and the user can work together to figure out if the action is necessary and which specific action to take.
Action &#8211; Once the decision has been made, the next step is to actually perform the said actions. Again, this could be done by a team of robots, autonomous machines, humans, or a mix of all three.
<h2>Different IoT Smart Farming Solutions</h2>
Here are some of the different farming solutions present in a Smart Farming system. 
<h3>Agricultural Drones</h3>
Agricultural drones have made major steps in recent years. To start, drone technology has become much more accessible, practical, and effective. So, farmers can now use agricultural drones for getting a bird’s eye view of an area and get a visual on a specific location quickly. These drones allow farmers and teams to work quickly and more efficiently, which has a huge impact on the entire agricultural process.
Modern drones may also be used to gather temperature, humidity, atmosphere, and even soil data. And again, smart farms rely heavily on large and accurate data sets to come up with the best course of action.
<h3>Precision Agriculture</h3>
Precision agriculture or precision farming is another area of smart farming. This type of system relies on large data sets that can be used to determine which crops to plant, how to plant them, and how to do so in the most efficient manner. This can allow for a much more sustainable farming system that will have a smaller impact on the environment.
<h3>Automations</h3>
Automations are another way that smart farms are growing worldwide. A clear example of this is the use of sensors in gathering soil, temperature, humidity, and atmosphere data. These sensors can transmit data over the internet so you get a real-time view of the conditions of a farm and be notified if <a href="https://safetyculture.com/monitoring/">urgent action</a> is needed.
This allows managers to make more accurate and informed decisions over how much fertilizer to use, what type of nutrients the plants need, and more.
Another way automation is used is in autonomous machines. These machines can be programmed to perform specific tasks at different times such as watering, fertilizing, or even planting crops. This reduces human labor as well as the necessary resources for planting different crops.

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Agriculture Safety

Safety

Smart Farming

Tractor safety is the practice of operating a tractor in a safe manner. It involves being aware of the potential hazards while working around tractors and taking steps to avoid and prevent fatal injuries or accidents.
By understanding the basic principles of tractor safety, operators can help prevent accidents and ensure that everyone stays safe while using this powerful machine. In addition, operators should also be aware of the <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-safety/">workplace safety</a> hazards that are specific to the type of work they are doing.
<h2>Why Does Tractor Safety Matter?</h2>
When it comes to operating a tractor, safety is always the top priority. According to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/93-119.html">National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)</a>, tractor accidents are the leading cause of death for farmers. So, whether you&#8217;re a farmer, a rancher, or simply someone who uses a tractor for personal use, it&#8217;s important to understand the potential hazards and take steps to avoid them.
Tractor accidents can often be very serious and even fatal. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s important to take the time to learn about tractor safety and to follow all safety precautions when operating a tractor. By doing so, you can help prevent accidents and keep yourself and others safe.
<h2>What are Some Common Tractor Hazards?</h2>
Here are some of the common tractor hazards that often occur when working. Let’s discuss each one:
<div id="attachment_149201" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-149201" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-149201 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Common-Tractor-Hazards.png" alt="Common Tractor Hazards" width="700" height="400" />Common Tractor Hazards | SafetyCulture</div>
<h3>Equipment Failures</h3>
Equipment failures can occur when parts of the tractor break or fail. This can happen due to poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or wear and tear. Equipment failures can also occur if the operator is using the tractor for a task it is not designed for, such as towing a trailer that is too heavy.
<h3>Weather Conditions</h3>
<a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/weather-disaster/">Bad weather conditions</a> can make it more difficult to operate a tractor and can increase the risk of accidents. This includes conditions such as fog, rain, snow, and ice. For example, heavy rains can result in muddy terrain and difficult visibility, which can cause serious accidents.
<h3>Older Tractor</h3>
Using older tractors can be dangerous because they might not have the same safety features as newer models. They also might not be as reliable and can have defects that might not be checked, causing an accident to the driver using them.
<h3>Falls</h3>
<a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/slips-trips-and-falls/">Falls</a> can happen when a tractor hits a hole or other uneven surface, causing the operator to lose his balance and fall off the tractor. They can also occur if the operator is not properly secured in the tractor seat and ejected during a rollover or other accident.
<h3>Fires</h3>
<a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/fire-safety-checklists/">Fires</a> can occur if the tractor&#8217;s engine overheats or the tractor&#8217;s exhaust system is not properly vented. They can also be caused by sparks from the tractor&#8217;s tires striking a flammable object. Remember to move immediately out of the vehicle if possible and get away as far as you can.
[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Tractor Safety Checklist&#8221;]
<h2>Most Common Causes of Tractor Accidents</h2>
Tractor accidents are a relatively common occurrence on farms and in other agricultural settings. While many of these accidents are minor, some can be quite serious and even put the operator’s life at risk.
So what are the most common causes of tractor accidents? According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), here are some of the most common causes of tractor accidents:
<h3>Rollovers</h3>
Rollovers occur when a tractor tips over on its side or roof. This can happen if the tractor hits a ditch or other uneven surface or goes over a steep embankment. It can also happen if the tractor is carrying a heavy load that shifts and causes the tractor to lose its balance.
<h3>Runovers</h3>
A runover occurs when a tractor runs over someone. This can happen if the operator is not paying attention and does not see someone in the path of the tractor. It can also happen if the tractor is backing up and the operator does not see someone behind the tractor.
<h3>Collisions</h3>
Tractor collisions can occur when two tractors collide with each other or when a tractor collides with a stationary object. This can happen if the operator is not paying attention and does not see the other tractor or object in time to avoid a collision.
<h3>Entanglements in Moving Parts</h3>
Entanglements in a tractor’s moving parts are a hazard that can occur when the tractor&#8217;s moving parts are not properly guarded or when the driver gets caught in it during operation. If the operator&#8217;s clothing or body part gets caught in the vehicle, it will cause serious injuries or even death to the person.
If you are a tractor operator, it is important to be aware of these common causes of accidents and to take steps to avoid them. By being safety-conscious and following all the proper safety procedures, you can help prevent accidents and keep yourself and others safe.
<h2>Tractor Safety Tips</h2>
Working with tractors can be dangerous, so it&#8217;s important to be aware of potential risks and take steps to avoid them. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when using a tractor:
<ul>
<li>Always wear <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/ppe-safety/ppe-requirements/">proper protective equipment</a> such as helmets, gloves, and <a href="https://marketplace.safetyculture.com/ppe/eye-protection/">eye protection</a> when operating a tractor.</li>
<li>Fasten your seatbelt before starting the tractor.</li>
<li>Never stand or sit on the platform of a moving tractor.</li>
<li>Do not try to repair a tractor while it is running.</li>
<li>Keep your hands and feet away from moving parts.</li>
<li>Be careful when attaching or detaching implements.</li>
<li>Do not overload the tractor or its implements.</li>
<li>Do not drive the tractor over unstable ground.</li>
<li>Avoid driving during bad weather conditions, as it can cause serious accidents.</li>
<li>Make sure to operate with proper lighting or in broad daylight to ensure that any obstacles can be seen properly.</li>
<li>Take needed breaks to avoid over-exhaustion when driving tractors, especially during<a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/heat-illness/"> hot temperatures</a>.</li>
<li>Use <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/50-safety-messages-of-the-day/">safety messages</a> and proper warning signs for workers.</li>
</ul>
By following these safety tips, you can help prevent accidents and injuries while working with tractors.

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Tractor Safety

<h2><a id="The-Importance-of-Good-Agricultural-Practices"></a>The Importance of Good Agricultural Practices</h2>
Good Agricultural Practices is important because it reinforces responsible farming methods from site selection and land preparation to harvesting and handling. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (<a href="https://www.fao.org/3/i1645e/i1645e00.pdf" rel="noopener">FAO</a>), GAP applies available knowledge to address environmental, economic, and social sustainability for on-farm production and post-production processes, resulting in safe and healthy agricultural products. Implementing Good Agricultural Practices can improve the livelihood of producers and the local economy as a whole, contributing to fulfill national development objectives or <a href="https://www.edapp.com/course/meet-the-sustainable-development-goals/" rel="noopener">sustainable development goals</a>.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-126450" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Good-Agricultural-Practices.jpg" alt="Agricultural production " width="500" height="375" />
<h2><a id="What-are-the-4-Pillars-of-Good-Agricultural-Practices"></a>What are the 4 Pillars of Good Agricultural Practices?</h2>
The 4 pillars of Good Agricultural Practices are the core principles used for the effective promotion and adoption of GAP. By following these pillars, farmers can build their reputations as providers of affordable yet high-quality goods and keep up with competitive export markets. As described by <a href="https://www.fao.org/3/y8704e/y8704e.htm" rel="noopener">FAO</a>, the 4 GAP pillars are economic viability, environmental stability, social acceptability, and food safety and quality:
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-126444" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/4-Pillars-of-Good-Agricultural-Practices-GAP.png" alt="4 Pillars of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)" width="700" height="400" />
<h3>GAP Pillar 1: Economic Viability</h3>
This means to maintain viable farming enterprises and contribute to sustainable livelihoods. Generally, it refers to the profit earned from management of productive land. Demonstrate this pillar by providing sufficient evidence on the viability of farm operations such as <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/management-audit/" rel="noopener">management reviews</a>, annual reports, and financial plans.
<h3>GAP Pillar 2: Environmental Stability</h3>
This means to sustain and enhance the natural resource base. The <a href="https://www.fao.org/3/i6677e/i6677e.pdf" rel="noopener">most recent</a> Good Agricultural Practices manual outlines critical requirements such as assessing the <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/environmental-risk-assessment/" rel="noopener">risk of causing environmental harm</a> on and off new sites, keeping <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/hazard-identification/" rel="noopener">records of the hazards assessed</a>, and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/safety-data-sheet/" rel="noopener">detailing the chemicals used</a> to sterilize soils and substrates. Moreover, the GAP manual indicates major requirements for environmental management such as:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Highly degraded areas shall be managed to avoid further degradation.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">The production practices selected shall be suitable for the soil type and not increase the risk of environmental degradation.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">The application of fertilizers and soil additives shall be recorded detailing the name of the fertilizer or soil additive, location, date, rate and method of application, and the operator’s name.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">A water management plan to optimize water usage and reduce waste shall be made available.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Chemicals used for crop protection shall be selected so as to minimize the negative effect on the environment and antagonist organisms of <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/pest-control/" rel="noopener">pests</a> and diseases.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">A <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/site-waste-management-plan/" rel="noopener">waste management procedure</a> shall be documented and followed using practices to minimize waste generation, to reuse, recycle waste and dispose of waste, including identification of waste products generated during production, harvesting and handling produce.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">The <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/energy-audit/" rel="noopener">use of electricity</a> and fuel shall be reviewed to ensure that efficient operation practices are implemented.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">The production plan shall comply with national regulations covering protected plant and animal species and to preserve native plant and animal species, including native vegetation areas, wildlife corridors and vegetation areas on or near the banks of waterways.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">If an offensive odor, or smoke, dust or <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/noise-risk-assessment/" rel="noopener">noise</a> is generated from production practices, management action shall be taken to minimize the impact on neighboring property and surrounding areas.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Farmers and workers shall be <a href="https://safetyculture.com/training/">trained</a> to have appropriate knowledge in their areas of responsibility related to GAP and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/training-evaluation/" rel="noopener">training records shall be kept</a>.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Records of GAP shall be kept for two years or more in accordance with statutory requirements, if any, or business requirements.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">A review shall be carried out at least once a year to identify any new and emerging hazards resulting from inputs, processes, or hazards affecting the environment.</li>
</ul>
<h3>GAP Pillar 3: Social Acceptability</h3>
This means to meet the cultural and social demands of society. An essential way of practicing this principle is to protect the agricultural workers’ health from hazards brought on by the improper use of <a href="https://www.edapp.com/course/chemical-storage-and-handling/">chemicals</a> and pesticides. They should also be <a href="https://safetyculture.com/training/">trained</a> on the appropriate knowledge and skills for correct handling and application of hazardous materials.
<h3><a id="GAP-Pillars-Food-Safety-and-Produce-Quality-Elements"></a>GAP Pillar 4: Food Safety and Quality</h3>
This means to economically and efficiently produce sufficient, safe and nutritious food. Control should begin in the field to <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/agriculture-inspection/" rel="noopener">reduce the hazards of contamination</a>. To take action on this commitment, evaluate the following elements of food safety and produce quality modules of GAP for fruits and vegetables:
<div id="attachment_126435" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://public-library.safetyculture.io/products/gap-audit-checklist" rel="noopener"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-126435" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 wp-image-126435 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/GAP-Elements-of-Food-Safety-and-Produce-Quality.png" alt="GAP - Elements of Food Safety and Produce Quality" width="500" height="950" /></a>Good Agricultural Practices: Elements of Food Safety and Produce Quality | <a href="https://www.fao.org/3/i6677e/i6677e.pdf" rel="noopener">Information Source</a></div>
<h2><a id="Good-Agricultural-Practices-Examples"></a>Good Agricultural Practices Examples</h2>
When properly performed, GAP can help farm operators stay on top of daily job tasks and have confidence in the integrity of their procedures. While some producers usually associate Good Agricultural Practices with the cultivation of plants, the holistic approach is also often applied in the rearing of livestock. Here are general examples of how GAP can work in different contexts:
GAP Example 1: For growing crops, it involves utilizing appropriate amounts of fertilizer at optimal moments during a crop cycle (e.g., growth, production, and maturation stages), <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/organic-system-plan/" rel="noopener">applying compost or manure</a> to maintain the organic content of the soil, and reducing soil erosion by installing hedges or digging ditches.
GAP Example 2: For raising animals, it includes minimizing the usage of non-therapeutic antibodies or hormones, avoiding feeding livestock with animal by-products (such as processed animal protein), and making sure that farms adequately <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/equipment-maintenance-log/" rel="noopener">clean equipment and machinery</a> to prevent the spread of disease.
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<h2><a id="What-is-Good-Agricultural-Practices-Certification"></a>What is Good Agricultural Practices Certification?</h2>
Good Agricultural Practices certification is a process done by an independent certifying body to guarantee that production processes or products of farms meet GAP standards. GAP certification is voluntary, but it is frequently required by buyers such as produce distributors and supermarkets. The USDA Good Agricultural Practices certification is the most basic GAP program administered by the agency. To  receive certification, farmers should pass the USDA <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/gap-audit/" rel="noopener">GAP audit</a> which verifies their compliance with Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices (GHP) as recommended in the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/guidance-industry-guide-minimize-microbial-food-safety-hazards-fresh-fruits-and-vegetables" rel="noopener">USFDA guide</a> on minimizing microbial food safety hazards for fresh fruits and vegetables. 
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<h2><a id="Preparing-for-GAP-Certification-Using-Free-Tools"></a>Preparing for GAP Certification Using Free Tools</h2>
Food safety hazards may occur at different stages of the food chain, so it’s important to address them, starting from the farm level. <a href="https://safetyculture.com/platform/" rel="noopener">SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor)</a> can help farmers establish Good Agricultural Practices, empower workers to sustain them, and prepare for GAP certification. <a href="https://safetyculture.com/platform/" rel="noopener">SafetyCulture</a> is an auditing and reporting tool designed to make it easier for producers to gain visibility across farming operations, identify flaws in existing processes, and demonstrate adherence to GAP. Here’s an overview how:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Auditing: See Good Agricultural Practices come to life in farms by regularly going through <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/gap-audit/" rel="noopener">GAP/GHP audit verification checklists</a> and<a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/global-gap-checklist/"> GlobalG.A.P. templates</a>. These tools are easy to use on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and iPads. Available without internet connection, producers can start and complete audits from wherever they are. They can also assign actions with <a href="https://safetyculture.com/actions/" rel="noopener">priority levels and due dates</a> to address issues or follow-up on concerns.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Reporting: Records play an essential part in preparing for GAP certification—good thing that every audit done on SafetyCulture is instantly made into a <a href="https://safetyculture.com/generate-report/" rel="noopener">shareable, professional report</a>. Automatically filed in secure online storage for easier record-keeping, completed reports can also be downloaded as PDFs and sent to specific people via email. Farmers can add up to 10 workers or team members using a <a href="https://safetyculture.com/pricing/" rel="noopener">free SafetyCulture account</a>.</li>
</ul>

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Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)