Make a list; check It twice

Making lists is the only thing that keeps me sane some days. Tons of things to get done this week? Make a list. A big project that seems overwhelming? Break it down into little steps and make a list. 

• READ MORE: Putting the 'culture' in agriculture

I love a paper list, but I've come around to a digital format. Then, no matter where I am, I can just look at my phone and see my lists. I should really have a list of my lists. 

There are tons of apps for making lists. I use Google Keep, which has the perk of being accessible on my phone and laptop. It also allows users to share and work together on lists. I've used it with family members for group projects. It's a great way to keep everyone on the same page. 

Lists can even keep you and your family and employees safe. The University of Wisconsin-Madison has compiled more than a dozen farm hazard inspection checklists. 

• READ MORE: Don’t downplay "farm kid" experience

Topics include crop chemical storage, chemical application equipment, wagons and other hauling equipment, portable augers and elevators, anhydrous ammonia equipment, tillage and planting equipment, tractors, manure storage, dairy barns and milking facilities, and electrical systems. 

This is an excellent time to print a harvesting equipment checklist for each piece of machinery and make sure everything is in order before the combines roll. 

The checklist PDF, which has plenty of space for personalized items, includes the following questions: 

• Are all belts and chains properly adjusted and shielded?
• Are the safety latch, jack stand, and/or other safety locks in working order?
• Does self-propelled equipment have a fire extinguisher? Have employees been trained to use it?
• Do all flashers and lights work? Are they clean?
• Are controls clearly marked? Do gauges work properly?
• Does each machine have an unfaded SMV emblem?
• Are warning decals clean and undamaged?

See UW-Madison's complete harvest equipment checklist and download or print all the farm hazard inspection checklists at fyi.extension.wisc.edu/agsafety/farm-hazard-inspection-checklists/.