170 sixth grade students from seven schools around Marion County learned about farm and personal safety during the Farm Safety Day at the Marion County Fairgrounds on Thursday.
The program is coordinated by Marion County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Teacher Meggan Heistand.
She notes the students were completely silent as former Salem Township Hospital President Richelle Rennegarbe explained the loss of her son in a grain bin accident in 2008. Rennegarbe, who was overcome by emotions at the end of the program, noted her presentations are all worth it if she can save just one life.
After the keynote presentation, students split up to learn at seven stations. They were chemical safety, life mishaps, water safety, a Julie station to explain call before you dig, fit to be a farmer, grain bin safety, and dangers surrounding the power take-offs on tractors.
Heistand is pleased the students were exposed to so much safety information. The program has been held most years since 2009.
