Holdrege FFA Chapter Sponsors Farm Safety Camp
by Jeff Moore
September 25, 2007
The Holdrege FFA Chapter sponsored its 10th annual Farm Safety Camp for 136 Phelps County kindergartners and first graders. The morning session consisted of students from Bertrand, Loomis, All Saints Catholic School and Phelps County R-4 and R-7 Schools. The afternoon session allowed students from the Holdrege Washington and Franklin Elementary Schools to participate in the camp. Each student that attended the camp received a t-shirt made possible through donations of several Phelps County agribusinesses FFA members presented farm safety demonstrations on several topics. Large tractor and combine safety was presented using a large tractor and combine donated by Landmark Implement. FFA members brought in ATV’s and demonstrated safe riding and equipment features on large and small ATVs. Members demonstrated lawnmower safety by using a riding lawn mover and a string trimmer. To simulate the effects of mower blades on hands and toes members used a blender and hot dogs. Members brought in large and small animals to demonstrate safe handling procedures and safety tips for strange animals. The FFA Chapter used its own grain bin safety display to show students the dangers of being trapped in grain bins and how quickly grain can trap people. Also demonstrated were the use of safety harnesses and a simulator to show strong a person has to be to assist a person trapped in a grain bin. The students were also educated on household chemicals and their look a-likes. The Phelps County Sheriff’s Department also presented some safety tips to all students and allowed students to view a patrol car and many of the items used by a deputy.
The Camp would not have been a success without the support of numerous businesses who donated money and supplies. The FFA Chapter would like to thank the following businesses for their donations. Dannull Engine Service, Sargent Irrigation, Hawkins Manufacturing, Kaufman Kawasaki, Fairbanks’s International, Central Valley Irrigation, Landmark Implement, Livestock feeders Inc. Wagner’s Irrigation, Nebraska Ag Specialties, The Screen Machine, UNL Cooperative Extension, McDonald’s, Ag Service Associates, First National Bank, Central Public Power District, Tier One Bank, Agri COOP, United Farm and Ranch Management, Farm Credit Services of America, and First State Bank of Loomis. The next event for Holdrege FFA members will be October 1st with IMPACT Workshops and Area Land Judging on October 10th in Curtis.
