Every year, farmers are faced with hazards that could change their lives in a matter of seconds. From grain bins and powerlines to other on-farm emergencies, it is always a good reminder to learn and practice the proper safety practices to prevent on-farm accidents. This is why the McLeod County Soybean & Corn Growers continue to invest their checkoff dollars into farm safety education.

The McLeod County Soybean & Corn Growers recently hosted a farm safety event that brought together local emergency responders, utility professionals and agricultural safety experts to educate community members on recognizing hazards and responding to emergencies. Through partnerships with McLeod Power, R3 Rescue, the Brownton Fire Department and the McLeod Technical Rescue Team, attendees gained valuable knowledge they can take back to their own farming operations.

Power line safety

McLeod Power highlighted common electrical hazards farmers face as equipment continues to grow larger. Attendees learned the importance of understanding equipment height in correlation to the height of the power lines. In case equipment touches the power line, McLeod Power shared tips on step potential and how to move your body so you can stay safe.

Understanding grain bin hazards

R3 Rescue educated the attendees on the different kinds of grain bin emergencies including flow grain, bridged grain, avalanche grain and other hazards you can find in a grain bin. One of the key lessons centered around the 1:10:1 rule, which helps demonstrate how dangerous bridged grain can be. For every one foot of bridged grain across a 10-foot diameter bin, the grain beneath can suddenly collapse by one foot. For example, in a 30-foot diameter grain bin with a one-foot grain bridge, the collapse could cause the grain surface to drop approximately three feet almost instantly.

SoyFoam protecting fire responders and communities

McLeod County Soybean & Corn Growers Director Bryce Lindeman, who’s also a member of the Brownton Fire Department, brought a fire truck to the event and demonstrated how the department is using SoyFoam, a soy-based firefighting foam developed with support from soybean checkoff investments.

SoyFoam offers firefighters an effective alternative to traditional firefighting foams that contain PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals.” The renewable, soy-based product provides another tool for departments while also highlighting an innovative use for soybeans grown by local farmers.

Lindeman explained how products like SoyFoam demonstrate the value of agricultural research and checkoff investments, creating new markets for soybeans while supporting public safety.

Specialized rescue for rural emergencies

The McLeod Technical Rescue Team explained its role in responding to confined space rescues, grain bin incidents and other technical emergencies on farms. The presentation highlighted the importance of having specialized equipment and trained responders available when complex rescue situations arise.

Lasting safety reminder

“For farm safety survivors, their response is always the same,” Lindeman said. “Man, I knew I shouldn’t have done (blank) but I just needed to (blank) quick.”

The average age of farmers is increasing, and the average age of a patient for grain bin/ farm safety incidents is increasing as well. An extra second focused on prevention just might be the reason you survive a farm safety hazard.

The McLeod County Soybean & Corn Growers Association is affiliated with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, which oversees the investment of soybean checkoff dollars on behalf of approximately 26,000 farmers in Minnesota. The Council is governed by the rules of a federally mandated checkoff program that requires all soybean producers to pay a fee on the soybeans they sell. This money is used to promote, educate and develop market opportunities for soybeans.