Farm safety camp teaches area students how to be safe
By Laura Chapuis

Students from all over Missouri had the chance to participate in a Farm Safety Day Camp, co-sponsored by MU Collegiate Cattlewomen and the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2005. The event was held as part of the Cattlemen’s commitment to educational, political and social interests.

“We started the camp three years ago to promote safety on the farm,” Darla Eggers, director of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association said. “It is a fun a way to educate students about the dangers of farms and how to be safe.”

The camp included workshops on farm safety focusing on ATV safety, electricity, farm chemicals, farm machinery, firearms, first aid and livestock. Several area businesses helped provide equipment and people to put on the workshops.

Tractors and tips on how to be safe around farm machinery was provided by Syndenstricker John Deere of Columbia. The MU College of Veterinary Medicine talked to students about livestock, and University Hospital officials talked about what to do in life-threatening situations and basic first aid. Students were also able to test their ability to recognize toxic chemicals compared to everyday things like fruit juice, at the farm chemicals workshop provided by MFA. The Safety Institute presented ATV safety tips, and firearm safety was provided by the Missouri Conservation Department. At the electricity workshop students were able to see a demonstration of what happens when a transformer blows out and what is needed to fix this problem, provided by Central Missouri Electric Cooperative workers.

Schools that participated in the camp were Ashland, Columbia, South Calloway, and Wellsville-Middletown. A 4-H group from Warrenton also attended.

“My favorite part of the camp was learning about the tractor safety,” Rachael Keathley, a senior from Wellsville-Middletown said. “I love learning about things that I didn’t know before.”

Once again the camp was a success, according to Eggers, and will continue to be planned for upcoming years.

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