Grain bin safety training provided by Indiana corn checkoff

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Corn Marketing Council has funded life-saving rescue equipment and training for several rural fire departments this summer.

The organization works with Nationwide and the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety to provide rescue tubes and training. The program has trained 1,025 Hoosier firefighters.

“As the state’s corn checkoff, representing thousands of Indiana farmers, we believe it is a wise investment to provide equipment and training to rural fire departments so they can help rescue farmers from a grain bin entrapment,” said ICMC President Tim Gauck, a farmer from Greensburg.

“We know there are many potential dangers when working on a farm. A simple mistake can become a crisis in a hurry. Grain bin entrapments are among those dangers.”

Last year, there were 34 reported grain entrapments on U.S. farms, according to a study from Purdue University.

Indiana reported the most grain entrapment cases in 2024 with five. Other states with grain entrapments were Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska.

Many rural fire departments lack the budget for grain bin safety equipment and training.

The six departments that received the equipment and training this year applied to ICMC for a grant.

“We’re incredibly honored to be chosen for this opportunity,” said Evan Hulett of the Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department. “Having this equipment and the skills to use it can make all the difference when seconds count in a grain bin emergency.”

For details on how to apply for a grant to receive grain bin rescue equipment or training, visit incornandsoy.org/grain-bin-safety/.