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HARTINGTON — You’re never too old or young to learn about farm safety. Recently, at the Cedar County Fairgrounds local FFA/Ag Students were invited to learn from the areas professionals that are there to aid in most farm accidents. Companies and Organizations represented were Central Valley Ag, Grossenburg Implement, Cedar Knox Public Power, Hartington Fire and Rural Fire Department, and Stockmen’s Powersports. The students had a chance to learn about different possibilities at each station with their company specific probable accidents.
Central Valley Ag brought their grain bin and crop unloading extraction simulator. They touched on the importance of a harness system and never entering a grain bin without being properly prepared. Blake Hansen was the first to volunteer as the individual in the grain bin simulator.
Blake said, “it felt weird and quiet. I want people to understand what can happen. Some people just don’t understand.” Central Valley Ag also has five mobile units to assist with grain bin extractions throughout Nebraska and Kansas. Central Valley Ag also served the student’s lunch.
Grossenburg brought a combine, a tractor and grain car to show all students the magnitude of this equipment and the need to always be able to see your surroundings when driving. They also pointed out the mirrors being an integral part of seeing others and objects when time seems to be of the utmost importance. As most farm equipment, these two implements have many moving augers, belts, chains, and debris that move very fast, in a matter of split seconds you or your clothes can be grabbed and pulled into the machinery, making a very bad outcome.
Cedar Knox Public Power brought their high-line simulator table to show how important it is to mind any power line, and keeping a safe distance from equipment or cars that may have struck a power line. And most of all stay in your vehicle if you become trapped by a power line. When placing a 911 call to dispatch please alert the dispatcher if electricity is involved. Hartington Fire Department touched on the safety concerns when parking equipment that maybe hot from a long day’s work and the importance of greasing all equipment where possible. Friction causes heat and with the drier conditions we have this year, maintenance is your first line of defense for most field fires.
Stockmen’s Powersports brought a four-wheeler. Their rep touched on the safety precautions when using a sport utility vehicle.
Many of the ATV’s weigh as much as five times the farmers and when rolled over, they become as much of a danger as the conditions you may be using it in.
Overall, this same comment came from all the companies that day. “Always work with someone else, the buddy system can be your phone call to emergency personnel or there to help you, without putting themselves in danger.”
