Caleb Silhanek learns how difficult it would be to pull a friend out of a grain bin. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Third graders at South Tama County Elementary spent the morning of May 22 learning valuable lessons while having plenty of fun during a recent Safety Day Event organized by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Tama County in partnership with Tama County Farm Bureau and Tama County Public Health.

The event featured interactive stations designed to teach students how to stay safe specifically when living or visiting a farm. Students rotated through activities that combined hands-on learning with important real-world safety tips.

Tama County Public Health helped students “soak up the sun safely” by teaching the importance of sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and staying hydrated during Iowa’s warm summer months.

Members of Tama County Farm Bureau shared important lessons about large farm equipment and ATV safety. Students learned about blind spots around large equipment such as trucks with large trailers, why it is important to keep a safe distance from moving equipment, and how to make smart choices while riding ATVs.

Tama County 4-H kept students engaged with activities focused on animal safety and grain bin safety. Youth learned how to safely approach animals and gained a better understanding of the dangers grain bins and wagons can present on the farm.

Tama County 4-H summer assistant Kaitlyn Morrison demonstrates how quickly a person can drown in corn in a grain bin. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

From trying to pull a friend from a grain bin to making bracelets with UV beads and learning that even cloudy days you can get sunburn, students stayed active and engaged throughout the day while building skills that could help keep them safe for years to come.

The Agriculture Safety Event 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.

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.