“I felt it was important to make these kits because most farmers don't carry a first aid kit with them, and a lot of accidents happen within the farming industry. A lot of times farmers are by themselves and might need help.”
This sentiment comes from Savannah Kleine, a member of the 4-H Ag Explorers Club in Cottonwood County, which recently won an Association of Minnesota Counties award in recognition for their project “First Aid Kits for Farmers and Truckers.”
The awards were presented at the annual Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Legislative Conference in St. Paul on Feb. 27.
Youth in Watonwan County also received an award for their work on the Pollinator Pathway at Meadowlark Prairies Nature Park.
Responding to a need
According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, thousands of farmers, family members and farm workers are injured and hundreds die every year in the United States. Trucking is closely aligned with agriculture through the movement of food and farm products and is a dangerous job with long periods of isolation.
“Many 4-H’ers in Cottonwood County reside on farms and know the risk and dangers involved,” says Crystal Reith, University of Minnesota Extension 4-H youth development educator. “Our community has rallied around those who have lost limbs or family members. The 4-H Ag Explorers wanted to help remind farmers and truckers to be vigilant and safe.”
“I appreciate it so much,” says one Minnesota farmer, who received her kit while she was delivering grain to the Walnut Grove elevator. “Our tractor burned last week. Safety is so important on the farm.”
Marlin Piotter of Jeffers mentioned the long days and nights that come with the harvest season. “We are sleep-deprived and distracted with so many things going on at once that personal safety is jeopardized.”
Custom-made for farmer and trucker emergencies
4-H volunteer Robin Snyder worked with the youth to buy supplies and assemble kits. “The farmers and truckers were extremely grateful for everything," she says.
Twenty young people learned about farm safety from an emergency medical technician. Thanks to their learning and further research, they decided to include items such as tourniquets and zip ties.
Honored youth share, teach
The award came with a recommendation from Cottonwood County Commissioner Tom Appel. “I am honored to be involved in the process of nominating the Cottonwood County 4-H Ag Explorers for the AMC 4-H Community Leadership Award,” writes Appel, “They assembled and distributed one hundred kits to area farmers and truckers at elevators and ethanol plants in Mountain Lake, Lamberton, Walnut Grove, Westbrook, Storden, Windom and Bingham Lake.”
“4-H youth leaders took the stage before an awards audience of over 200,” says Jennifer Skuza, Extension associate dean for youth development. “They demonstrated Minnesota 4-H’s trademark public speaking skills, confidently sharing their experiences and teaching others through their stories.”
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