Events and Activities : Farm Safety Day set for Sept. 17; pre-registration under way for free event

A safety day for any Benton County student in 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade is being planned for Saturday, September 17, 2016. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Vinton. The Benton County Extension Service in conjunction with Progressive Agriculture, Benton County Farm Bureau, Vinton-Shellsburg FFA, Belle Plaine FFA, Benton Community FFA, Unity Point Clinic (Vinton & Shellsburg Family Practice), and Benton County beef, pork and dairy commodity groups are sponsoring the event. Progressive Agriculture is the special sponsor for this event.

According to Greg Walston, Safety Day Coordinator, children often see farm and livestock operations as a fun and exciting playground that can provide endless hours of fun and adventure. Unfortunately, these farms and the livestock and equipment found there can set the stage for tragedy. Many serious injuries and 6 fatalities have occurred as recent as this summer to children in Iowa under 16. In fact, the highest rate of farm injuries occurs to children ages 5 to 14.

Walston noted, that safety days sponsored by Progressive Agriculture, in cooperation with local groups, are being held throughout the state, nation and the world to teach children how to reduce and prevent injuries. During the event, children will participate in activities and be trained to recognize the importance of taking responsibility for their own actions. They will be encouraged to follow safety rules, listen to adults who supervise them and share safety rules with their family and friends.

Topics that will be presented at Benton County’s event this year include: ATV safety, tractor safety, animal safety, 911 emergency, first aid, water safety, electrical safety, skid loader safety, fire safety and grain safety. Parents who wish to have their children participate need to pre-register through the Benton County Extension office located at 501 1st Ave in Vinton. Call 319-472-4739 for more information. Pre-registration is due by Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at the Extension office. There is no cost to participants but enrollment is limited so act promptly.