Agricultural production is hazardous.
The National Safety Council estimates that more than 100,000 farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers experience injuries and occupational illnesses every year. A sizable percentage of these agriculture-related injuries are serious and permanent. As many as 500,000 persons working in agriculture have physical disabilities that interfere with their ability to perform essential tasks on the farm or ranch. Others experience limitations as they grow older, including decreased vision and hearing or loss of strength. These disabilities often prevent rural residents from continuing in agricultural production or related work.