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Ag safety training gives first responders hands-on experience at Farm Science Review

This year’s Farm Science Review is helping first responders prepare for on-farm emergencies as a part of National Farm Safety and Health Week. 

Dee Jepsen says grain entrapments expected to reach a record high in 2026 and local fire departments need more exposure to specific ag emergencies.

“We partner with the Ohio Fire Academy and we show how an engulfment occurs and entrapments with augers,” she says. “The firemen get to practice in real-time in getting someone out of that situation.”

She tells Brownfield ​effective emergency response requires making the most of available resources.

“We give them skills to think about and how to use what’s in their surroundings,” she says. “We want our firemen to be confident in what they can do and then also be resourceful of what they have access to.”

Jepsen says ongoing first responder education can help improve the outcome when ag-related accidents occur.

National Farm and Safety Week runs through Friday.

AUDIO: Dee Jepsen, Ohio State University