Practice Grain Bin Safety this Spring

Spring is always a busy time on the farm with calving season coming to an end and farmers racing to get into the field, there is little time to think about safety. But when it comes to cleaning out your grain bins this spring, SAFETY should be your number one priority.

With the wet harvest this last fall, farmers were left with grain in very bad condition and forced to practice some heavy drying. Following a long winter, cleaning out bins can be potentially dangerous with crusting and mold issues.

There have been numerous incidents so far this spring with farmers cleaning out their bins including fatalities, and South Dakota Corn asks that everyone be extra cautious.

Here are a couple of things to remember:

Farmers too often work alone, when cleaning out your grain bins, be sure to use the buddy system.

If your grain is in bad condition, make sure to wear a mask in effort to not breathe in possible molds.

Crusting is a serious issue that can be deceiving to farmers which can lead to lengthy falls or getting trapped.

Don’t let your bins get out of hand, if your grain is in bad condition in April, just imagine what it will look like as it warms up in June.

Be sure to watch the Hefty’s Grain Bin Safety Video.