Holdrege-The Holdrege FFA Chapter sponsored its 22nd Annual Farm Safety Camp for over 140 Phelps County kindergartners and first graders on Wednesday, September 21st at the Phelps County Ag Center. The sessions consisted of students from Bertrand, Loomis, All Saints Catholic School, Legacy Christian and Holdrege Public Schools. Each student that attended the camp received t-shirts made possible through donations of twenty-four Phelps County businesses.
FFA members presented farm safety demonstrations on several topics. Combine and equipment safety was presented using a combine donated by Landmark Implement. FFA members brought in ATVs and demonstrated safe riding and equipment features on large and small ATVs. A tractor and mower were used to point out the dangers of PTO safety, pinch points, and demonstrated safety features of farm tractors. Members demonstrated lawn mower safety by using riding lawnmowers and string trimmers. To simulate the effects of mower blades on hands and toes, members utilized a blender and hot dogs. Members brought in a horse and beef animal to demonstrate safe handling procedures and safety tips for large farm animals.
The FFA Chapter used its grain bin safety display to show students the dangers of being trapped in grain bins and how quickly grain can trap people. Also demonstrated for students was the use of safety harnesses and a simulator to show how strong a person has to be to assist a person trapped in a grain bin. The students were also educated on safe handling of small animals. Members brought in dogs, rabbits, and poultry to demonstrate this.
The Camp would not have been a success without the support of numerous businesses that donated money and supplies. The FFA Chapter would like to thank the following businesses for their donations and sponsorships. South Central Diesel, The Screen Machine, Nebraskaland Aviation, Agwest Commodities, Central Valley Irrigation, Holdrege Veterinary Clinic, First State Bank of Holdrege, Dannull Engine Service, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension; Phelps County, Southern Public Power, Livestock Feeders, Midwest Ag Insurance, First State Bank of Loomis, Landmark Implement, Farm Credit Services of Kearney, Scoular Grain, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation, HAR Livestock Dispatch, CHAS Sargent Irrigation, Lee Janssen Motor Co., First Tier Bank, Keith Samuelson Land Leveling, Wagner Irrigation, Wells Flying Service, Bruning Bank, Ag Service Associates, and Husker Irrigation.
Many members of the Holdrege FFA Chapter will be competing at the Area Land Judging on October 5th in Harlan County, NE. On October 8th, the FFA Chapter will be conducting Harvest Meals as a community service project. Local Harvest Crews can contact the FFA Chapter about getting meals delivered on that day. Also in mid – October FFA members will be conducting their Annual Fruit Sales. The Fruit Sales program will again be featuring bulk fruit and meat and cheese products, along with Holiday Poinsettia plants from the High School Greenhouse.
