Score with Ag Safety
On the evening of Sept. 11, before a football game, the Centralia FFA Chapter in Centralia, Mo., teamed up with the Little Dixie Fire Department to host an agricultural safety event near the entrance gate. The event included several hands-on safety stations and was open to everyone attending the game.
As fans entered the gate, Centralia FFA members handed out water bottles with agriculture safety facts on them. These bottles helped teach people about farm dangers and how to prevent accidents. Farming can be dangerous, so knowing how to stay safe is important for protecting lives.
Community members and students practiced identifying poisonous look-alikes, helping them recognize potential hazards and understand that not everything is what it seems. (Photo Credit: Centralia FFA Advisor Kendra Smith)
One station focused on reaction time, allowing participants to test their reflexes against a simulated power take-off (PTO). The simulator demonstrated how quickly participants could respond to a potential hazard. Farmers often need to react quickly when unexpected situations arise, and having quick reflexes can sometimes make the difference between life and death.
Another station featured a grain bin rescue strength test, where participants pulled a rope to experience the strength required to help someone trapped in grain. This activity highlighted the physical challenges that can arise during an agricultural emergency and the importance of understanding how to respond.
“Grain bin safety is vital in an agricultural community like Centralia, where farming is a foundational part of our economy. At the Score with Ag Safety event, Centralia FFA members demonstrated just how quickly a person can become entrapped in flowing grain and how difficult a rescue can be,” explained Kristin Walters, an FFA alumnus.
Walters said, “I participated in the interactive simulator and was shocked by the tremendous force required to free someone. The experience reinforced the importance of taking precautions, including shutting down equipment, wearing a safety harness and using the buddy system. In a county where these accidents can and have occurred, this educational event was both impactful and necessary. It was a powerful reminder that understanding grain bin safety can help save lives.”
Whether working on a farm or traveling down a rural road, anyone could encounter an emergency where someone needs help. In small communities, knowing how to respond safely could make a lifesaving difference for a neighbor.
First responders and other safety professionals shared their knowledge and expertise to educate and guide community members on proper agricultural safety procedures, helping them better recognize hazards and respond to emergencies. (Photo Credit: Centralia FFA Advisor Kendra Smith)
Participants also faced a challenge involving common poisonous look-alikes, where they had to identify which items were poisonous and which were safe. Additionally, a tractor, skid steer, and fire truck were available to demonstrate various safety procedures and equipment operations. These hands-on activities helped community members better understand the potential dangers associated with agricultural equipment and emergencies.
According to Carson Hill, a member of the Centralia FFA officer team, “This event was very important to our chapter because we wanted to make sure our community was aware of proper safety procedures on the farm. I was very glad to see so many community members participate, and I hope the information they learned will help keep them safe in the future.”
Through this event, the Centralia FFA Chapter is helping save lives in its community by educating students, families, and community members about the importance of agricultural safety. By providing hands-on learning experiences and sharing valuable safety information, members are equipping others with the knowledge to recognize potential dangers, respond to emergencies, and make safer decisions. Their efforts serve as a reminder that a little knowledge can go a long way in preventing accidents and protecting the lives of their neighbors, friends, and fellow farmers.
