To get an idea of how safe and secure farms in the Midwest are, Successful Farming magazine, in conjunction with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), evaluates three farms. This is the first story in a four-part series on farm security.

Tour Ron and Brad Mapeses farms as they evaluate which areas need added security. Out of 32 questions that applied to their overall operation, the Mapeses are not in compliance with more than a third.

Take a walk through Paul Mausser's farm and see what areas were in need of improvement after his farm was evaluated with the Farmstead Security Audit Form.

Larry Tranel's farm is located on a major highway. Find out why this is an advantage and a disadvantage as he takes the Farmstead Security Audit.

Brian Altenderfer, Trenton, Missouri, experienced a theft on his farm in March 2005. He estimates close to $20,000 woth of equipment and tools was stolen.

Test your farm security know-how in this 11-question quiz. Learn how to store and transport equipment, manage your equipment inventory, the most valuable deterrent against theft, and more.

Does your farm need to improve security? Download the two-page audit form, and find out how secure your farm is.