PAF Safety Coordinator Spotlight: Sarah Richardson
Sarah Richardson’s journey with the Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF) began when she was asked to co-coordinate her county’s Progressive Agriculture Safety Day (PAF Safety Day). What started as a simple request quickly evolved into a personal mission to inspire students, teachers, and families to better understand and respect the agriculture around them. Now, as a tri-county Commercial Horticulture agent, Sarah has become a go-to presenter for PAF Safety Days in surrounding counties, sharing her passion for agricultural safety and rural education.
For Sarah, PAF Safety Days are not just fun learning experiences—they are about building awareness in a community deeply connected to farming. Living in a rural area, she witnesses how children often don’t fully understand the farming activities they see around them. “Some students can’t even identify common crops or understand why they see tractors or slow-moving equipment on the road,” Sarah explains. PAF Safety Days help bridge that gap in knowledge. “I’ve seen students go home and educate their parents or siblings about what they’ve learned, creating a ripple effect of safety awareness,” she adds.
Her community has fully embraced PAF Safety Days, with teachers eagerly looking forward to the event each year. The hands-on activities make learning more engaging and impactful. “If just one student goes home and tells their parents to slow down for farm equipment or wears their ATV helmet, that small action makes our community safer,” Sarah emphasizes.
Partnering with PAF has also made event coordination easier for Sarah. PAF provides resources like permission slips, insurance, and online tools that simplify planning. “PAF’s responsive support has been invaluable,” Sarah says, noting the personal touch from the foundation’s staff.
The goals of PAF Safety Days align closely with the mission of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, where Sarah works. The extension focuses on improving rural communities through education, stewardship, and youth development. “PAF Safety Days help educate both children and adults about safety across various agricultural topics,” Sarah explains.
The positive feedback Sarah receives fuels her passion for the program. “A teacher has emailed me a ‘good job’ after Safety Day for the past two years,” she recalls. “It means a lot to know I’m making a difference.”
To anyone considering partnering with the Progressive Agriculture Foundation, Sarah offers heartfelt encouragement: “You might not immediately see the impact, but if even one student learns to be safe, it’s all worth it.”
Sarah credits the success of Gates County’s PAF Safety Day to the amazing presenters and volunteers. “We couldn’t do it without them,” she says gratefully. “Their enthusiasm and commitment truly make the day special for our students and community.”