Bringing farm safety to the forefront
With the goal of educating kids in order to prevent a tragic accident before it ever takes place, Wessington Springs High School student Austin Schimke set his gaze on teaching farm safety to local third through sixth graders as part of his senior project.
“This is the age where kids become more active and curious about what’s going on around the farm — whether they live around agriculture all the time or are just visiting,” Schimke said. “Teaching them the basics about a variety of farm safety now will help prevent accidents in the future.”
Schimke reached out to Rocky Forman of South Dakota Farmer’s Union (SDFU) for mentorship and for access to the SDFU Farm Safety Trailer.
“As part of the mission to keep youth and families safe on farms and ranches, South Dakota Farmers Union has created a decked-out Farm Safety Trailer that travels the state to educate on how to stay safe,” Forman explained.
The trailer includes an ATV simulator, grain bin harness, interactive games and a toy-size farm.
Schimke said the elementary kids were receptive to the safety practices taught during his project.
“A lot of the kids know a lot about farm equipment already,” he said. “But when it comes to farm safety, there is always time for another lesson about how to stay safe and prevent an accident.”
