FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Firefighters from the Delmar Volunteer Fire Department received hands-on training on how to use life-saving equipment awarded by the Delaware Soybean Board, in partnership with Nationwide. The training was held at the Department this past Sunday, September 17, 2023.
“On-farm safety is top-of-mind for the farmer-leaders of the Delaware Soybean Board,” states Delaware Soybean Board (DSB) Chair Cory Atkins. This motivated DSB to fund a partnership with Nationwide to prepare local first-responders for potential grain entrapments by providing life-saving equipment and training.
According to the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), over half of people who get trapped in a grain bin do not come out alive. In their second year of this partnership, DSB hopes that its investment will reduce this statistic and protect Delaware’s farming community.
This year’s recipients were the Delmar Volunteer Fire Department and the Milton Fire Department. DSB Directors selected these locations after surveying where other rescue equipment is currently and determining areas of greatest need. Funding provided by soy-checkoff awarded a rescue tube and auger, along with training from NECAS on how to respond to an entrapment and use the tools.
During National Farm Safety and Health Week, observed September 17-23, 2023, DSB reminds soybean growers of the resources available through NECAS to improve safety on their farms. “A farm accident can happen in the blink of an eye,” explains Cory. “It’s important to be proactive to prevent them from happening and be prepared for if they do.” Farmers can learn more by visiting https://www.necasag.org/.
Delaware farmers plant about 160,000 acres of soybeans annually, producing over seven million bushels of beans and generating approximately $60 million in value to the state. The Delaware Soybean Board consists of nine farmer-directors and the Secretary of Agriculture. Funded through a one-half of one percent assessment on the net market value of soybeans at their first point of sale, the checkoff works with partners in the value chain to identify and capture opportunities that increase farmer profit potential.
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For information, contact:
Danielle Bauer Farace
Executive Director
Delaware Soybean Board
443-812-4526
Danielle@desoybeans.org