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Saturday, July 22, 2017, Ashtabula and Trumbull County Farm Bureaus sponsored a Grain Bin Rescue Training and Awareness for emergency personnel and local farmers and businesses.  The event was held in conjunction with Centerra Co-op, Anthony Daprile Nationwide Agency, Magyar Farms, and the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

Over 40 emergency personnel from Ashtabula, Trumbull, Columbiana and Mahoning counties were in attendance for the grain bin rescue training taught by the Ohio Fire Academy (OFA). Participants took the six-hour OFA course to learn and practice grain bin rescue techniques with the Grain C.A.R.T (Comprehensive Agricultural Rescue Trailer). Emergency personnel were educated on how grain bins are constructed, how they operate, and the hazards associated with them.

The final portion of the course, allowed firefighters to physically rescue one of their own from the C.A.R.T.

Ohio State University Extension taught the grain awareness training workshop to farmers and local agricultural businesses. Those participants also had the opportunity to view and observe actual rescues taking place as well.  Jeff Magyar, owner of Magyar Farms, opened up an almost empty grain bin for a portion of the training to allow rescue personnel to better understand the hazards of grain bins, how they are built, and how they work.

A BBQ dinner was sponsored by Centerra Co-op for more than 80 attendees at the event with Mary Betts, Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, speaking to attendees on the services they have to offer. Anthony Daprile, Nationwide agent, provided attendees with information and resources on grain bin safety and preparedness.

Grant opportunity

Mandy Orahood, Ohio Farm Bureau organization director serving Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties, announced a grant opportunity for Ashtabula and Trumbull County fire departments. One rescue tube, valued between $3,000 to $5,000 (depending on manufacturer, vendor, etc.) will be awarded to a fire department in each county. (One in Ashtabula and one in Trumbull).

Any fire department in Ashtabula and Trumbull counties is eligible to apply between July 22, 2017 and 11:59 p.m. Sept. 15, 2017. To apply provide your name, mailing and email address, the name and address of your local fire department or emergency rescue team, and one page describing how the local fire department or rescue team and rural community would benefit from the grain rescue tube, and how they plan to share the equipment with nearby departments.

Completed grants can be emailed to nefarmbu@fairpoint.net or mailed to Ashtabula/Trumbull County Farm Bureau, 8220 State Route 45, Suite B, Orwell, OH 44076.  Limit one (1) grant entry per fire department. Grant entries in excess of the stated limit will be void.

According to Ohio State University Extension, every 10 years, 235 farmers lose their life in an agricultural-related accident. Grain bin fatalities are steadily increasing each year. Such fatalities occur for a variety of reasons with the two most common being suffocation by engulfment and entanglement with moving parts.

For more information contact the county Farm Bureau office at 440-437-8700 or by email.