News : BENTON COUNTY SAFETY DAY CAMP TEACHES FARM SAFETY TO 3RD - 6TH GRADES

Ron Bandy talks safety with children when riding golf carts and ATVs.

Talking helmet safety

Explaining Grain Safety, by V-S FFA & the Garrison Fire Department

The Benton County Extension presented a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day Camp to help children learn how to prevent injuries. With the highest rate of farm injuries occurring in children ages 5 - 14, the event addresses issues relevant to farm environments. This free event featured 10 safety stations covering the following topics: ATV Safety, First Aid, Combine Safety, Lawn Mower Safety, 911 Emergency, Grain Safety, Pinch Point/PTO Safety, Chemical Safety, Sun Safety and Accident Survivor.

In addition to hands-on safety activities, each child attending received a snack, lunch, T-SHIRT and educational materials.

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. The highest rate of farm injuries occurs to children ages 5 to 14.

Safety days are held throughout the state, nation and the world to teach children how to reduce and prevent injuries. During the event, children participate in activities and are trained to recognize the importance of taking responsibility for their own actions. Children are encouraged to follow safety rules, listen to adults who supervise them and share safety rules with their family and friends.

The main event was sponsored by Progressive Ag Foundation. Others involved in providing this event include:

Combine Safety - Kromminga Motors & Benton Community FFA

911 Emergency-- North Benton Ambulance 

Sun Sense - Unity Point                 

Golf Cart/ATV Safety-Ron Bandy

First Aid - Virginia Gay Hospital

PTO/Pinch Point- Gary Albert, Brandon Fire Dept.                    

Grain Safety - VS FFA & Garrison Fire Department

Accident Survivor- Kris Ferguson

Chemical Safety- Kayla Walls, New Century FS

Lawn Mower Safety- Kromminga Motors- Vinton Shellsburg FFA

Extra Station---Hidden Hazards & GB Tug of War- Belle Plaine FFA

Snack - Benton County Farm Bureau, Unity Point Health Clinic

Lunch - Benton County Farm Bureau, Dairy and Pork Producers

Helpers: V-S, Belle Plaine & Benton Community FFA, Farm Bureau, business and community members