The district has partnered with the co-op for the past five years as part of National Farm Safety & Health Week, observed Sept. 17-23 this year.
Throughout the morning, the district bused five different groups of Ag and Driver’s Ed students to the facility on Lyndon Rd. for a 25-minute presentation led by Jake Smith, Agronomy Sales. With farmers working long hours these days, his timely message encouraged safety, awareness, and sharing the road.
On display were a TerraGator or “floater,” a John Deere sprayer, and truck with
anhydrous ammonia tanks. After a brief review of their capabilities, speeds, and uses, the students were encouraged to climb aboard the floater and sprayer for a closer inspection of the machinery.
Smith said the anhydrous ammonia, or corn fertilizer, is liquid nitrogen in the tanks but turns to a white cloud of gas when released into the atmosphere. He told the students to go upwind if they ever find themselves in a situation where it’s released, since the gas will go into the lungs.
Smith also reminded the students to be patient if they come upon tractors driving on the road, to keep a safe distance, and to pass the farming equipment with care. He encouraged them to watch for signals indicating whether a farm operator will be turning off the road, noting that it’s safer to pass when tractors move over towards the
ditch.
“It takes both farmers and drivers to share the responsibility together to make sure we get down the road safely,” said Smith, adding that adults and young drivers need to be extra alert during harvest season.
Since last week was busy with Homecoming festivities, the annual field trip was scheduled for this week. The students were chaperoned by Driver’s
Ed instructor Mike Chance and Ag teachers/ FFA advisers Sara Mosher and Sam Perschnick.
