URBANDALE — Attendees of the Jasper County Fair, in Colfax will learn about farm safety from 10 to noon Wednesday, July 23, with Bre Branderhorst, Farm Credit Services of America outreach coordinator, who will be located in the Jasper County Kids corner to talk about grain safety, animal safety and ATV safety.
A gravity flow grain wagon and a bottle calf will be used for demonstrations.
According to the National Safety Council, agriculture is the nation’s most dangerous industry. Between 1995 and 2000, nearly 700 youth died on farms and ranches in the United States, according to the 2004 Journal of Safety Research.
“The farm is a great place to live,” said Branderhorst. “People just need to be mindful of the dangers. Nearly every job on the farm can be dangerous.”
Branderhorst partners with Farm Safety For Just Kids to offer safety education for youth. Farm Safety For Just Kids was founded 25 years ago by an Iowa farm wife after the death of her son in a gravity flow grain wagon accident. The organization promotes a safe farm environment to prevent injuries and death by educating our youth.
Farm Credit Services of America sponsors Branderhorst’s position, in addition to outreach coordinators in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska.
“Raising awareness for farm safety is important in our rural communities,” said Alan Erickson, FCSAmerica vice president for the Colfax area. “Our goal is to help ensure continued focus for our kids and promote safe environment education through Farm Safety For Just Kids’ resources and programs.”
For more information, visit www.farmsafetyforjustkids.org.