Preventing Agriterrorism on the Farm
by Bob King, Senior Extension Educator,

Cornell Cooperative Extension Monroe County

With planting season upon us, many of us on the farm will be busy plowing, fitting, and planting in anticipation of a good growing season. While out and about doing your work, its important to keep in mind that monitoring and surveillance will be key to preventing agriterrorism on the farm.

Pay attention to the routines of your farm, neighborhood, and community. Be alert as you go about your daily business.  This will help you to learn the normal routines of your neighborhood, community and farm. Understanding these routines will help you spot anything out of place.

Be aware of what is going on around you.  Be on the look out for suspicious activities, whether traveling on the farm or in the community. Learn to spot suspicious activity, such as unusual vehicles, persons, equipment, tools, or packages around sensitive areas of the farm like equipment sheds, animal confinement areas, and chemical and fertilizer storages.  Security equipment such as motion lights, cameras, and alarms can  alert you to unusual activity. When traveling and visiting to places where people congregate, such as a shopping center or school; learn to spot suspicious packages, luggage, or abandoned mail.

Keep an eye on your equipment and supplies.  Immediately report to law enforcement any missing chemicals, equipment, fuels, medicinals, or fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate, urea, anhydrous ammonia, or ammonium sulfate.

Pay attention to the health of your animals, plants, employees and family. Animals that become suddenly ill or plants that exhibit unusual or sudden signs of stress, disease, or sudden death should be reported immediately to your veterinarian, crop consultant and/or local extension specialist. If you, an employee, or family member work closely with animals and become suddenly ill, seek immediate medical attention. 

Take what you hear seriously. If you hear or know of someone who has bragged or talked about plans to harm people in violent attacks or claiming membership in a terrorist organization, take it seriously and report it to law enforcement immediately.

For emergencies call your local police or where available dial 911.

To report suspicious activity contact the New York State Police tip-line, toll free at 866.723.3697 (866-SAFENYS). Or contact the US Border Patrol at 800.331.0353