Barn quilt contest celebrates century farms
Eligible farm and ranch families have the opportunity to share their story for a chance to receive a custom handcrafted barn quilt recognizing their century operation. Enter by Jan. 31, 2027.
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Grain bin safety is a critical issue for farmers and agricultural workers across the nation. Each year, preventable tragedies occur when individuals become trapped in flowing grain. It only takes seconds to be engulfed, turning a routine task into a life-or-death emergency. This reality underscores the vital importance of preparation, training and awareness.
Rural fire departments are often the first on the scene when a grain entrapment occurs. However, many of these dedicated first responders lack the specialized equipment and training required for a successful rescue. This gap in resources can be the difference between a close call and a devastating loss. When every minute counts, having the right tools and knowledge is essential. That’s why the Grain Bin Safety Week initiative continues to be a cornerstone of farm safety education.
Why Grain Bin Safety Week matters
With proper equipment and skills, first responders can save lives that might otherwise be lost to grain entrapment. Providing these resources is the core mission of Grain Bin Safety Week, an initiative launched by Nationwide in 2014. By equipping and training local heroes, we can help prevent these tragedies.
“As we look toward the 2026 program, Grain Bin Safety Week continues to be one of our most significant safety initiatives,” said Nationwide Agribusiness President Brad Liggett. “We are committed to our goal of ‘zero lives lost.’ In partnership with our dedicated allies, we are constantly advancing grain bin safety through education and the distribution of life-saving equipment. Ultimately, our work is about ensuring everyone returns home safely at the end of the day.”
How you can equip your local first responders
As part of Grain Bin Safety Week, Nationwide and the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) are once again holding the annual Nominate Your Fire Department Contest. Through this contest, selected first responders receive grain rescue tubes and essential hands-on training to use them effectively.
To date, the program has awarded 450 grain rescue tubes and the necessary training to fire departments in 35 states. This effort has made a tangible impact. At least 15 departments have already used their awarded equipment and training to successfully rescue entrapped workers.
“This program has an immediate positive impact for first responders around rural Ohio,” said Mike Bailey, Ohio Farm Bureau senior vice president, operations & partnerships. “We’re fortunate to have organizations like NECAS leading this training, and Nationwide’s support of the program helps us reach even more rural first responders who can, in turn, leverage what they learn to save even more lives.”
Key details for the 2026 program
Grain Bin Safety Week takes place during the third full week of February. The Nominate Your Fire Department Contest runs annually from Jan. 1 to April 30. Since its inception, the contest, supported by Nationwide, NECAS and other generous sponsors, has received over 13,000 nominations from communities passionate about safety.
NECAS Director Dan Neenan plays a crucial role in the program. He travels to winning fire departments with a state-of-the-art mobile grain entrapment simulator. This simulator, built on a 20-foot trailer holding about 100 bushels of grain, provides a realistic and safe environment for hands-on training.
“We urge everyone to take a moment to nominate their local first responders for this program,” Liggett added. “The department you nominate could be the next to save a life in your community. Your participation truly makes a difference.”
Visit grainbinsafetyweek.com to learn more, see if a rescue tube has been awarded near you, and nominate your local fire department today.
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
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