Combine blessing and safety expo, Aug. 2, helps farmers stay safe during harvest

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Free locally produced food, entertainment and activities for young and old top the first Combine Blessing and Safety Expo, sponsored by University of Missouri Extension and the Boone County Farm Bureau.

The free event begins with registration at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Central Missouri Events Center, also known as the Boone County Fairgrounds. T-shirts will be given away to the first 200 kids at the event.

University of Missouri Extension specialist Bob Broz said the event offers a variety of displays and activities promoting safety during harvest.

Harvest can be one of the most dangerous times of the year for farmers, their families and employees, Broz said.

Brian and Fran Schnarre will lead a combine blessing at 8 p.m. You need not bring your combine, Broz said.

Missouri State Highway Patrol officers will talk about regulations for moving machinery and fuel on state roads and highways.

MU Extension specialist Kent Shannon said will show how to tell if an ATV meets size and height standards for young riders. He also will discuss proper safety equipment for ATV riders and give safe riding tips.

Shannon said fire safety also would be taught by local firefighters. Leaves, stalks, husks, oil and fuel can be a dangerous mix, especially when fields are dry. Prevention and preparation is key to preventing combine fires.

MU Extension safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch will talk about grain bin safety. Interactive displays show how to prevent grain bin entrapment. Boone County Fire Protection District representatives will show a new rescue slide designed to help someone escape from a bin.

Livestock specialist Heather Smith will give tips for livestock and horse safety. Members of the Columbia FFA will offer advice on power tool and lawn mower safety. Centralia FFA chapter members will show how items can be confused with poisonous look-alikes at their booth. Columbia Hearing Center will talk about how to prevent hearing loss.

MU Extension specialist Dan Downing said attendees can test their reaction time at an interactive display on power takeoff shafts. Attendees can learn how a new app for mobile devices can detect impending rollovers on farm equipment and send location information to emergency responders.

Boone County Cattlemen’s Association will cook Show Me Farms burgers and sweet corn from local producers will be served. Stanton Brothers of Centralia will provide honey ice cream.

“We want everyone to have a safe harvest and celebrate our producers who feed the world,” Shannon said. “It’s always good to review how we can prevent accidents, and this expo offers a free meal, music and education for the entire family.”

For more information, email [email protected]. Preregistration is suggested, but there is no charge.

The Central Missouri Events Center is at 5212 N. Oakland Gravel Road. For directions, go to www.CentralMissouriEventsCenter.com or call 573-474-9435.