Tama County Farm Bureau members speak about 4-wheeler and large farm equipment safety during the recent Agriculture Safety Day. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

South Tama Elementary School recently held an engaging Agriculture Safety Day for its third-grade students, focusing on vital safety topics related to farm life. The event aimed to educate youth about the importance of staying safe in agricultural environments while providing hands-on learning experiences.

The event was hosted by Tama County 4-H, with strong support from Tama County Farm Bureau and Tama County Public Health. Their collaboration ensured a comprehensive and impactful day for students.

Throughout the day, students rotated through interactive sessions covering grain safety, animal safety, sun safety, ATV safety, and large equipment awareness. Each topic highlighted potential dangers and demonstrated best practices to prevent accidents. Knowledgeable presenters guided the students, ensuring the lessons were both fun and memorable.

A standout session on grain bin safety taught students how difficult it would be to pull a friend out of corn in a grain bin, illustrating the serious risks of grain entrapment. This hands-on activity gave the students a clear understanding of the importance of staying safe around stored grain.

Highlights also included a live demonstration of safe practices around large farming equipment, emphasizing the need for caution and clear communication near machinery. Students learned how to approach and handle animals responsibly, fostering both respect and understanding.

Agriculture Safety Day was made possible thanks to the dedication of the school staff, Tama County 4-H, Tama County Farm Bureau and Tama County Public Health. Their shared commitment to student safety and education shone brightly throughout the event.

By providing students with critical safety knowledge at an early age, South Tama Elementary hopes to instill lifelong awareness and responsibility, ensuring safer futures for young learners growing up in rural areas.

For more information about Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and their programs, contact the Tama County Extension and Outreach Office at jhulme@iastate.edu or 641-484-2703.