HEALTH & SAFETY
*Stark, "S.A.F.E. Training" - In a group effort with 2 neighboring CFBs, a Surrounding Area Farm Emergency course was planned
to provide local emergency service providers the opportunity to participate in a hands-on farm accident simulation, where they
worked to react to particular situations. After such great response to the fire fighting with training on a variety of scenarios
complemented by live demonstrations on properly handling overturned tractors, cutting augers, etc. 25 emergency personnel
from 14 departments participated and received 8 hours of continuing education credit. Because of the nature of the program, a
local TV station picked up the story for its nightly news and was prominently featured in FarmWeek.
Calhoun, "Big Rig/Tractor/ATV Safety" - The purpose of this program is to make children aware of the hazards being around big
rigs and tractors on the farm. We held the seminar at the elementary school for grades k-6. We had a big rig and tractor on site
and we explained where the blind spots were on a rig and to not ever be in those areas because a farmer could not see them. We
also informed them of how loud the rigs are and a farmer would have a hard time hearing them if he should need to stop to avoid
an accident from happening. We also did the same seminar with a tractor. We talked about PTOs and explained the dangers of
their clothing getting wrapped up and causing severe injury or death. We had an ATV on site and taught the students the rules of
riding an ATV and the proper clothing and helmet a person should wear while riding an ATV. Committee 60% FFA 40% We submit
our progrms to our local paper (over 6,500 distribution) or our FB newsletter or some times both.
Cumberland, "Operation Safe Kids" - One volunteer talked to 89 5th Grade students about Farm Safety. The students were asked
how many of them lived on a farm and if they practice Farm Safety around their farm. Many of the students were very removed
from the farm, despite our rural county. Students were educated about Livestock Safety, Machinery Safety, Grain Safety and Sun
Safety. They learned about how important it is to never play around equipment or to be near it while it is being operated. They
were told about the dangers of grain bins and wagons. To show how dangerous they are, the students watched a simulation of
how quick a person can be sucked under the grain when a bin is being emptied. The CFB feels this was very important program
due to farming accidents occurring so often. The students received a pencil and an activity sheet about Farm Safety to take
home. They were urged to talk to their families about safety and to make some changes at their homes.
Douglas, "Progressive Farm Safety Day" - 2014 Annual Progressive Agriculture Safety Day for Kids: The Ag Literacy Committee,
Safety Committee, Ag Literacy Coordinator, Board of Directors, 100 volunteers and Manager continued its service to educating
402 area youth about common safety hazards. We invited all of the 5th grade classes within two counties to participate as well
as a home schooled children. The program was broken into eleven different safety stations. Each station was presented and
taught by area organizations or companies. The 2014 stations included: • “Live Line” Presentation: An electric cooperative has a
demonstration they use throughout our area to educate kids on the dangers of power lines. The 45 minute programs shows the
dangers of different scenarios kids may be involved in, such as flying a kite, letting go of balloons, and climbing trees. The 7,200
watt demonstration concludes with a loud “bang”, as the presenter overloads and blows a controller. • Lawn Mower Safety: A
local implement dealer presented how to be safe around lawn mowers. • Chemical Look Alike: Extension performed a skit on
chemical look alike. • Disability Awareness: FSA and a local FFA chapter sponsored this station. Students were asked to simulate
different types of disabilities by completing a task. Missing an arm – make a peanut butter sandwich, blind – pin the tail on the
donkey and so on. • Sun Safety: A Center for Rural Health presented how to protect yourself against ultra-violet rays. • Grain
Safety: A local elevator taught kids how to be safe while around grain bins. • JULIE: Before you dig call to ensure your safety! •
Animal Safety: A local DVM presented the dangers that could occur around unknown animals. • Firearm Safety: A local firearm
instructor explained to the kids the importance of firearm safety at all times and that firearms are not a video game or toy. •
Meth Prevention: A local State Trooper showed the kids what trash found along a roadway could be equipment used to make
meth. He stressed that they should never touch any of it but call the police instead. • ATV Safety: A local FFA group presented
the brain mold presentation to all the students. We were featured on the front page of a local newspaper reaching over 10,000
people and a three county newspaper reaching over 36,000.
Edwards, "Safety Day" - In conjunction with an adjacent county Farm Bureau, our county Farm Bureau produced a safety day
with a grant from Progressive Agricultural Foundation, and donation from Farm Credit Services and Crop Production Services. The
goal of the project was to make children aware of the hazards on the farm and at home, and how to prevent accidents. Over 50
volunteers helped present the day of the event. The program was offered to the fourth grade classrooms in all grade schools in
our county and the adjacent two counties. 230 students and 12 teachers attended the camp. Our county FB has been organizing
this event for many years, this was the third year to present this program with the adjacent counties. It was deemed a huge
success. Response from the teachers involved was overwhelmingly positive and they are looking forward to next year's Safety
Day. Photos taken throughout the day were published in our county publication. * Sun Safety- Four volunteers taught the students
about sun safety. The students learned how important it is to protect their skin from the harmful rays of the sun. The students
also made a UV bead bracelet. * Internet Safety- We had an individual from the Attorney General's office come and discuss the
dangers of the internet. * Animal Safety- A Ag Literacy Coordinator spoke to the students about safe practices around animals,
such as dogs and cats, and other peoples pets. * Gun Safety- A local 4-H leader and Gun Club Leader very active in gun safety and
awareness presented this station. She talked about ways guns are dangerous and explained to the students how they can use guns
safely. They also talked about the proper way to handle guns. * Grain Bin Safety- Two volunteers from Consolidated Grain and
Barge talked to the kids about grain bin safety. They also demonstrated the dangers of grain bins with a grain bin model. * Small
Equipment Safety- The local junior college agricultural instructor led this station, which gave students a chance to learn how to
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HEALTH & SAFETY (continued)
drill a hole, cut a board, and screw a screw. He led them in proper safety techniques while doing so. * Poison Look-a Like- The U
of IL Extension office taught kids about the dangers of poisons, and how many household items look very similar to poisons.
*Disabilities - A group from the surrounding Farm Service Agencies conducted a disabilities awareness station. The kids were
designated a disability and then tried to accomplish simple tasks with their handicap. They learned what it is like to deal with
disability. They discussed ways to prevent accidents. * JULIE Underground Digging in IL - A representative from JULIE presented
on the dangers of digging near underground wiring locations. They played a participatory game related to this safety issue.
Massac, "Heart Health Awareness Month" - The Women's Committee wanted to promote safety during the winter months for
2015. February is National Heart Awareness Month and they thought that would be a good opportunity to promote heart health to
the local community. A budget was created of $125.00 to make up a gift basket giveaway that focused on heart health. A digital
blood pressure cuff, first aid kit, chocolate tractors, and a cupid pig were placed into the basket to promote the idea. A picture
of the basket was placed on our Facebook Page and if people liked or shared the picture their name was placed into the drawing
for the free basket. Over 50 names were placed into the drawing. The % reached was over 2000 people based on the statisical
data from Facebook. The winner was drawn on Valentines Day. We had several compliments on the items that were featured and
it made a major impact on the importance of taking care our our hearts, not only during February but all year long.
Pulaski-Alexander, "Southern Illinois Safety Day Camp" - Thursday, September 18, 2014. 4 CFB’s joined efforts to host a Safety
Day Camp for 4th Grade students in 5 counties. 318 students and teachers attended the event to learn more about safety
awareness in our rural area. 24 Instructors and Volunteers were contacted to secure 10 quality safety sessions for the event.
Sessions included; First Aid and 911: an ambulance was on site for the students to walk through, along with the local Air Evac
Life team Helicopter; Fire Safety: 2 fire trucks and first responder vehicles were shown to the students along with information
about what the local fireman have to wear to protect themselves; Gun Safety: A local certified Hunter Safety Instructor taught
about the importance of hunter responsibility and firearms; Exercise Safety: University of Illinois Food Nutrition Personnel
explained the importance of proper nutrition and water consumption while being active and fit; Poison-Look-A-Like: local FS
Environmental Safety Specialist provided a hands-on activity for the students to identify items that look like candy/Kool-Aid/and
other food items, that were actually potentially harmful due to the fact that they look similar; Bites and Stings: a local
Community College and Federal Wetlands center employees provided hands-on identification of venomous snakes and spiders, to
help students learn what to look for when they are encountered; Electrical Safety: the local electric cooperative provided a
many live-line demonstration that allowed for the students to see what can happen if they touch a power line or if they find a
downed line; Lawnmower Safety: local Agriculture College students provided information on basic mowing in your yard and what
can happen if you are not aware of your surroundings; and Farm Safety: college Agriculture students provide information about
gravity flow wagons and their danger if you play around them along with PTO and their dangers. 3 FFA Chapters provided 26
volunteers to provide additional chaperones for the day. This safety day camp reaches over 300 households directly and
thousands of people indirectly. If we can help save one life, it is defiantly worth the 30+ hours of organization and planning. The
event would not have been successful without the joint efforts of the local CFB’s, Soil and Water Conservation District,
University of Illinois Extension, FFA, FS, local Community College, local Federal Wetlands and Fish and Wildlife Areas, and the
local fire and ambulance Services.
*Clay, "CFB Hosts 10th Annual Farm Safety Day" - We held our 10th Annual Farm Safety Day on Tuesday, Septmeber 23rd, and
approximately 215 students, teachers, parents and volunteers participated in the event. The event was successful in teaching all
of the 3rd graders about the importance of safety in and around the farm. The students were able to participate in many hands
on experiences and listen to speakers throughout the day. Every student received a free t-shirt for participation and a goodie bag
filled with materials from the CFB, COUNTRY Financial, as well as a lunchbox from FS. The students attending the following
stations: the Sheriff’s Department with Gun Safety, local electric co-op (Electric Safety), local FFA (Livestock Safety), local John
Deere dealer (Tractor and Lawnmower Safety), the U of I Extension (Food Safety), the local Health Department (Tobacco Safety),
FS (Chemical Safety), FSA (Life’s Misfortunes- dealing with potential farming accidents), and a group presentation done by ESDA
(Vehicle Extraction).
Franklin, "Traffic Safety Days" - This is the 7th year that this event has been held but only the first year that our county got
involved. There were students from 15 counties in attendance. There were 3 FB Managers who helped during this event along
with 1 County FB President and 2 Volunteers. Each day different schools brought their Driver's Education students to this event.
This event is designed to supplement and reinforce classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction for Driver’s Education Students
by using presentations and active participation to deliver important safe-driving information. Each day was structured like a
regular school day with a new group of students each day. The students were divided into six groups and rotated through the
presentations. The stations that students went through were: Agricultural Equipment –students were allowed to see just how
large a piece of farm equipment is up-close and to get inside of a tractor with an auger cart attached – a car was parked one car
length behind it and one was parked six car lengths behind it. The students were very surprised to see that they could not see
either car in the mirrors. Work Zone Safety – a presentation given by Illinois Department of Transportation covered the hazards
and risks of driving through road construction and work zones. Motorcycle Awareness – The Illinois State Police Motorcycle
Enforcement Bureau presented information from a motorcyclist’s perspective on what driver’s should be aware of while driving
near motorcycles. Operation Lifesaver – A railroad-crossing safety presentation delivered by Union Pacific Railroad. Distracted
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HEALTH & SAFETY (continued)
Driving – This presentation was sponsored by AT&T and covered the dangers of cell phone use while driving. No-Zone Semi Display
– This was sponsored by Thomason Express and Black Diamond Harley Davidson. It combined a presentation on the hazards of
vehicle blind spots with active participation of the students who had the opportunity to sit in the driver’s seat of semi-trucks and
passenger cars that had cars and motorcycles parked in blind spots. They experienced first-hand what drivers can and cannot see
while driving. Seat Belt Convincer and Roll-Over Simulator – This presentation by the Illinois State Police and the County Sheriff’s
Office combined these two pieces of equipment to demonstrate the importance of seat belts. Driving Simulations – The County
Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of Transportation use this session to demonstrate two safe-driving
topics. Students drove golf carts and adult sized tricycles while wearing Fatal Vision Goggles which simulate the effects of
alcohol impairment. They also drove a golf cart through traffic cones while texting. Street Smart – this presentation was
sponsored by Golden Eagle Distributing and Venegoni Distributing and was given by members of S.A.F.E., a group of
firefighters/paramedics from Miami-Dade County, Florida. They travel the country teaching people of the hazards of alcohol and
drugs, impaired and distracted driving, excessive speed and the importance of seat belt use.
McDonough, "Training for rural fire departments" - Last year we surveyed all the fire departments that service our county to
see what their main needs were. We were interested to know if they had needs for equipment, trainings, etc. They
overwhelmingly requested to have more training in farm accident situations. In coordination with a local department and the fire
services institute, a training was held in the winter on grain rescue. Several departments from the county attended. The
information was very well received and the group is anxious to host another training. The training was provided free of charge
and the CFB provided lunch.
Piatt, "Safety Awareness Day" - One of the Country Financial agents in our county teamed up with the local chamber of
commerce to have a safety awareness day for the general public. We decided to be one of the sponsors of the event and have a
booth set up as well. Free lunch was available and every hour there was a demonstration of some safety aspect in the grandstand
such as the k-9 unit, the Champaign Bomb unit, and other groups. There were many booths set up from various organizations
where families could learn some safety aspect. We had a booth set up where kids could make their own first aid kit. We had
paper bags they could decorate, and then band aids, neosporin, gauze, tape, and poison control cards that they could put in
their kit. We only had 15 kids put a kit together but we hope that the event is a lot bigger next year.
Wabash, "Grain Handling Safety Workshop" - We worked with 5 adjacent county Farm Bureaus and a local community college to
sponsor a Grain Bin Safety event for our farmers. We promoted the event in our multi-county publication, on our websites, in
FarmWeek, on our weekly radio program, and on our social media pages. We invited an instructor from the Illinois Fire Service
Institute to teach the course. The program was held in the Agricultural Building in our community college. The class started with
an overview of grain handling and storage. Participants were introduced to the 6 major hazards associated with grain handling,
lock out/tag out, risk management principles, and community pre-planning. The class also covered the grain bin entry process,
the risks of entering a grain bin, and alternatives to bin entry. We asked three local grain elevators to support the event by
sponsoring a meal, snacks, and drinks. We had 42 individuals attend, including a large number of agricultural college students.
*Hancock, "Focus on the Farmer: Taking Care of YOU!" - In an effort to encourage local farmers to take care of themselves, our
CFB partnered with our county health department and local hospital to coordinate the first annual Focus on the Farmer program.
The program was held at a local auction and event center, with over 40 attendees present. After breakfast, which was provided
by our CFB, attendees had the opportunity to participate in many health screenings, including blood sugar, blood pressure check,
and Dermascan. A prostate cancer screening (blood draw) was provided by the county health department and funded by the
Illinois Department of Public Health. Colorectal cancer screening take-home kits were also available. The program featured
discussions on the topics of routine men’s health, routine women’s health, and arthritis, with local healthcare professionals.
Following these discussions, our county EMS coordinator educated the group on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart
attack and stroke. The highlight of the event began when keynote speaker, Mike Adams, took the stage. His presentation
reiterated the importance of farmers taking time for routine healthcare in order to maintain healthy lifestyles. To prove his
point, Adams then participated in the free screenings provided at the program. Focus on the Farmer concluded with lunch,
provided by the hospital, and attendees had the opportunity to continue with any screenings following lunch. The AirEvac
helicopter also landed at this time, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and look inside the aircraft. In addition to meals
and screenings, program attendees were given bags with giveaway items and information. A local medial supply store donated
safety glasses and ear plugs for each attendee, and door prizes were provided by program sponsors, as well as COUNTRY Financial
Agents. Additional financial contributors to the program included a local elevator, bank and ag business.
Christian, "Drivers Safety Day" - It is often forgotten to inform new drivers about the importance and safety of driving around
farm equipment. The Young Ag Leaders brought in a sprayer, combine, semi, and tractor with tillage equipment attached for the
students to see and understand how large the equipment is and that it does not condense to become smaller. We placed 2
vehicles behind the semi, one right behind it and one farther back in the acceptable distance range for the semi driver to see the
car. Students were given the opportunity to get into the equipment to really get a first hand look at what farmers can and
cannot see when moving the equipment, as well as why farmers are unable to stop quickly. This was a great program that will be
completed next year!
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HEALTH & SAFETY (continued)
Fulton, "Safety Sam Scarecrows" - The week before Farm Safety Week, our Women’s Committee met to put together “Safety
Sam” scarecrows to put up at area elevators, farm supply facilities, and along grain hauling state highway routes. One member
asked facility managers and landowners if we could put scarecrows on their property. Members gathered at our office on Sept.
12, 2014,to make 4 scarecrows. Members supplied old clothes, straw, gloves, and boots. We also put a Farm Bureau hat on
several and cowboy hats on the others. Each Safety Sam held a 1 foot by 3 foot sized white “Farm Safely. A message from the XX
County Farm Bureau” sign with bright red letters. Four members delivered the Safety Sams the following week. The safety
scarecrows stayed up until the end of harvest during the first part of November. This was an awesome attention-getter, and we
had many favorable comments from members, farmers, business owners, and the general public. The displays made non-farmers
aware of farm traffic and at the same time reminded our farmers to be safe!
Knox, "Ag Safety Fund" - Ag Safety Fund. Three years ago, the YF Committee raised over $20,000 to purchase and donate grain
entrapment rescue tubes to 5 local fire departments in the county. In order to insure proper training/certification to use the
donated grain entrapment rescue tubes, the YF’s began working with the Western Illinois Firefighters Association to construct a
permanent grain bin installment at the regional training center. The YF’s have received an overwhelming amount of support
locally as several farmers have donated materials such as: grain bins, bins with a hopper bottom, sweep augers, electrical
panels, and fans. On August 22, 2015 at the 20th Annual Regional Fall Fire School, 11 volunteer firefighters from several
surrounding communities participated in an 8-hour grain bin rescue training that taught the firefighters techniques necessary to
rescue individuals who are trapped inside grain bins, a skill rural firefighters consider a vital part of their training.
Monroe, "Health and Safety Day" - Accidents happen and lifestyles continue to change in our community; the importance of
educating youth about health and safety issues dramatically increases. To help students understand the dangers and importance
of health and safety topics, our WC, AITC Committee, and YL Committee teamed up with the local Extension, Soil and Water
Conservation District, and FFA Chapters to offer our second annual Health and Safety Day for 6th graders. This age was selected
because they are at an age to really start making lifestyle choices and looking for part time or summer jobs. The planning
process started in April, schools were contacted about participation, and presenters were confirmed. Session topics included:
ATV/Lawn Mower, Cyber Bullying, Electrical, Chemical/Poisons, Fire, First Aid, Gun/Knife, Healthy Lifestyles, PTO/Grain,
Stranger Danger, and Water. There were a total of 276 students and teachers from the three participating schools. Students
completed an evaluation sheet asking them to list three things they didn't know before Health & Safety Day. Based on the
returned forms, sponsoring Health & Safety Day is essential to teaching students about dangers.
*Effingham, "Farm Family Accident Training" - Agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries. Farmers are at a very
high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries; and farming is one of the few industries in which family members (who often share the
work and live on the premises) are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries. The Young Farmers sponsored a Farm Family
Accident Training course that provided CPR instruction to participants and offered tips of what to do in case there is a farm
accident. The instructors also supplied suggestions on how to secure the scene until EMS can get there. Participants learned some
basic practices that could save a loved ones life. The event was advertised in the Farm Bureau publication, in a local newspaper,
on Facebook, and mentioned on the local radio station.
Ford-Iroquois, "Farm Safety Week Display Contest" - In an effort to promote safety and have more contact with FFA members,
the Young Leaders sponsored a National Farm Safety and Health Week Display contest for our local FFA Chapters. Chapters were
given the contest details and a list of resources to assist them in planning and developing an outdoor farm safety display at their
high school building. Three Young Leaders traveled to each school to visit with the FFA members and advisors and to judge the
displays. The judging guidelines included visual impact, creativity, design, neatness, use of theme and effectiveness. Cash prizes
and wall plaques were awarded to the top three Chapters. The winning display was featured in the local newspapers. By
sponsoring the contest, the Young Leaders were able to reach parents, students and other motorists traveling by the schools with
safety messages while making contacts with the FFA Chapters. Six of the seven FFA Chapters participated. 100% YL
Grundy, "Farm Safety Radio Campaign" - The CFB Healthy & Safety committee chairwoman, along with the manager, works with
the local radio station to produce 30-second public service announcements reminding farmers to stay safe during various times of
the year. The messages included: Fall Farm Safety Week in September 2014, Harvest Safety in October 2014, Winter Farm Safety
in January 2015, Spring Farm Safety Awareness in March 2015, and Summer Safety in July 2015. For each topic the CFB purchases
10, 30-second announcements which are played throughout 1 week in the specific month. The radio station also sells packages to
other agribusinesses to play during other times. In all, nearly 500 messages on farm safety are shared throughout the year. Each
message reached approximately 50,000 people, for a total of nearly 250,000 listeners.
Livingston, "Put Safety First on the Farm breakfast" - From machinery to chemicals and livestock and ladders, farming can be a
hazardous occupation. 45 farmers/FFA members/farm employees attended the fifth "Put Safety First on the Farm" breakfast that
was hosted by two CFBs and a local grain Co-Op. Following a hot breakfast, farmers, their employees and local FFA members had
the opportunity to learn more about preventing farm accidents by using the proper precautions and safety equipment. To start
the program, 2 speakers from the local implement dealership talked about properly running equipment and the importance of
ROPS on a cab-less tractor. Next, a local grain elevator manager talked about a new emergency preparedness tool that allows
you to keep exact field address and emergency contact numbers at the field. To conclude the meeting, the group was able to
tour the facility and see their grain safety training equipment such as a life size grain bin where a few members were "buried" in
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HEALTH & SAFETY (continued)
corn and shown how the grain rescue tube is used. A local station covered the event, as well as newspaper. A safety grant from
IFB and COUNTRY® helped with the costs.
Woodford, "Drivers Education Presentations" - Many people are seeking refuge in our smaller communities for a multitude of
reasons, yet the understanding of agriculture and farming equipment on the roads is not there. As a safety measure not only for
the soon to be drivers, but for our farmers as well, a Driver’s Ed Class Presentation was held at several area high schools
throughout the year. When the weather allows, the presentations are done outdoors. Equipment is brought in and the students
get to learn first hand about markings on Farm Equipment, what the Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem means, what the flashing lights
on the back of the equipment mean – and what happens to the flashers when the farmer decides to make a turn. They learned
about reaction time and how quickly they can respond to a slower moving vehicle. Vehicles were parked behind the farm
equipment, some 20 yards behind. This was to demonstrate the “no zone” which is the blind spot where the driver can’t see
what is behind them. Volunteers shared many of their close encounters/experiences to drive home the point of the presentation.
The students were able to then sit in the cab of a Combine, Tractor with an Auger Wagon, and or a Sprayer, to see for
themselves what the view from the cab is like for a farmer driving down the road. The students were encouraged to be patient
and alert when driving down rural roads during busy seasons like planting and harvest, to take the extra second before they pass
to be sure that it is indeed safe to do so, and to not tailgate as the farmer may not always be aware that someone is directly
behind them. At the end of the presentation, each student received a key chain in the shape of an SMV emblem, with BE ALERT
written on it. In addition they receive a copy of the IFB brochure, Rules of the Country Road. If the weather doesn't cooperate,
the presentations are held in the classroom. The same points are made, but the "In the Blink of and Eye" video is used to
demonstrate. A worksheet is utilized that reviews the main points, and the students go over this information in class.
*Macon, "Feed the Farmers" - We teamed up with a local radio station to do something to give back to the farmers for all of
their hard work they do to feed us and for us to provide them with a lunch to allow them to take a break during the long hours
they put in. We agreed that serving lunch around the county to everyone would probably have the biggest impact. We decided
that harvest time would be a great time to do this since the farmers will be coming to the elevator to deliver grain. We provided
a sack lunch that consisted of a BBQ sandwich, a bag of chips, soda or bottle of water, and a caramel apple to the drivers coming
through as well as extra lunches for those who the drivers were working with in the field. All of our food items were donated by
local businesses that we had gone out and solicited. We had a banner made up that was hung outside near the scales that had all
of our sponsors listed on it to show our appreciation for their efforts in assisting us. Each week, we targeted a different area of
the county and had advertisements on the radio that mentioned which elevator we would be serving lunch at that week. Flyers
were also sent to the elevators to hang in the windows in the weeks ahead of our scheduled day to make everyone aware of the
specific day we would be there to serve the meals. Regardless of the crop conditions, we still want our farmers and hired hands
to know that we appreciate their hard work and want them to remain safe during the harvest season. Even though many of them
were done with harvest depending on their location, they still took the time to come in and have lunch on us! We served about
100 lunches at each of the 5 locations we went to this year.
Champaign, "Conversations with Motorists" - Our CFB has a trailer that is often utilized at local fairs and events. Specifically
this trailer was used for the purpose of sharing the message of "Caution/Slow Down/Share the Road" at a chamber of commerce
event with non-farming participants, a summer ag camp family fun night and at a local festival. Our volunteers handed out
Caution/Slow Down/Share the Road bumper stickers, brochures with tips for motorists and farmers and they had conversations
with motorists about risks of traveling on rural routes when corn is tall and machinery is being operated during planting and
harvest seasons. These materials were a great resource when sharing the risks of rural routes and being safe during the planting
and harvest seasons.
Kane, "Safety Treats for Safety Week" - Safety Treats for Safety Week: September 20-26, 2014. Held in cooperation with local
elevators, SWCD, FSA, implement dealers and others. As farmers gear up for the harvest season, it is important to remind them
of safe practices and that they are involved in a dangerous occupation. Committee purchased candy and developed Safety Treats
by placing messages on the candy to be placed in the businesses above with farm safety reminders like: Safe farmers make “Jolly
Ranchers”; Be a “LifeSaver”, Remember to play it safe this fall! ; Don’t put a stop to your “Payday”, Practice farm safety! ;
Don’t be a “Butterfinger” when it comes to farm safety! ; and four others. Committee ordered cardboard display boxes and
designed a Safety Treats full-color flyer to mount on each box to advertise the program and invite farmers to take a treat. 12
committee members assisted in making 400 treats and placing them in 7 locations across the County. The messages were a fun
and memorable way to drive home a serious topic and much appreciated by the farm community. 7 locations, 400 treats for
farmers.
Peoria, "Equine Horse Clinic" - Five years ago, our County Farm Bureau formed an Equine Committee as there are many local
horse owners. One of their main projects has been sponsoring a workshop in the Fall which focuses on training volunteer rescue
personnel on handling large animals in case of an accident. Last September 28, the committee sponsored a Horse Clinic which
was a little different twist from the previous Fall workshops. Four speakers asked to present were Scott Austin, a D.V.M. at the
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HEALTH & SAFETY (continued)
University of Illinois; Rick Burten, a Registered Master Farrier; Dr. Elino Ketola with Noah's Ark Chiropractic; and Jeanette James
an Equine Sports Massage Therapist. Committee members gathered the names of 150 horse enthusiasts and potential attendees
and mailed invitations three weeks prior to the event. The clinic was held at a large horse arena in our County equipped with
stables and a lunch stand. Thirty-five people attended the event which had picture perfect weather. We did have to replace one
of the speakers at the last minute as the Chiropractor, Dr. Elino Ketola, got stranded in Boston due to inclement weather. IFB
employee, Brenda Matherly, filled in for her with a presentation on transportation laws and regulations. We also had several
vendors at the event representing Nutrena Feed, two local feed and supply stores, and a tack shop. Overall, it was a successful
program.
Tazewell, "Emergency Defibrillation Training" - Our County has a large number of programs and activities. With new technology
more and more public places are being equipped with defibrillation equipment. This could enable a person to survive it
treatment is given much sooner than having to wait for emergency response teams to arrive. Our Farm Bureau purchased two of
these machines. One is to be kept in our auditorium for possible use in the building. The other one is a portable unit that can be
taken with us to Farm Bureau activities outside of our building such a bus trips. The Farm Bureau staff is responsible for keeping
the units maintained on a monthly basis. However, the machines are no good unless there are people that know how to use
them. Therefore, we had the Zoll company that makes and sells the units come in to our building to provide a training session on
how to properly use the defibrillation unit. We hope they units will never have to be used, how ever if they are used we hope
they will save a life.
Will, "Beginner Hunting Safety" - We were asked by several people to host a beginning hunter program as they fill up so fast and
locations were badly needed. We made 3 calls and hooked up with a volunteer from IDNR and they asked could we provide a
lunch each day for the group. We found a sponsor for the program and went forward as it was a 2 day program. We limited it to
the first 60 people and the program filled up in 2 weeks. We did sign up 70 people knowing we would have a 10% no show as it
was a free class. We did have 61 people attend both full days. There were 8 different speakers. The program ended with a test.
We also had a prize drawing for 15 people to receive a free hunting knife and we cooked and served the meal each day. We also
provided doughnuts and other refreshments throughout the day. We received 19 personal thank you notes from attendees and it
was a great effort. We are scheduled to do it again next year.
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