August 3, 2004
Chuck Schwab, associate professor and extension safety specialist at Iowa State University, is the 44th president of the National Institute for Farm Safety (NIFS). He was named the organization's head at the annual NIFS business meeting held in Keystone, Colo. on June 24.
Schwab has held a combined research and extension position at Iowa State since 1990. He teaches agricultural safety and agricultural systems analysis and planning. His research projects are focused on agricultural safety and health issues.
As the extension safety specialist for Iowa, he provides leadership for the Safe Farm program. The program's goal is to make Iowa farms safer places to live and work.
Schwab is the second Iowa State extension safety specialist to be elected NIFS president. Norval Wardle was the first president of NIFS and also the first extension safety specialist at Iowa State.
The agricultural industry still has one of the highest death rates in the country. NIFS members work to improve the safety and health of farmers, ranchers, families and employees. The slow-moving vehicle emblem used on farm vehicles and equipment was first promoted by NIFS.