A program supported by the Indiana Corn Marketing Council is making a difference for Hoosier first responders…and potentially saving the lives of farmers across the state.
Since 2022, the Indiana Corn Marketing Council has funded training for 1,190 firefighters and first responders through 41 training events in 26 Indiana counties. The impact is already being felt. The council has documented three rescues in Jackson, Shelby and Putnam counties involving equipment or training provided through the program.
“There’s three rescues since 2022. Not a very common event. And so in these rural areas, we just it’s something that most people hopefully will never see in their life. And you don’t know how to prepare for something that you haven’t seen. So just getting there familiarity with the equipment, how to use it, and what some of those options are if they were ever to run into it. I just think that’s invaluable. For the farmers who we are supporting.” According to Mat Berger, Fountain City farmer.
The program focuses on equipping emergency personnel with the knowledge and tools needed to respond to agricultural emergencies, where heavy machinery, grain handling equipment and other farm-related hazards can create dangerous situations.
Berger says, “I don’t know if you can really put a value on that. So, we ultimately hope it doesn’t get used, but it has been used. So we see the value in it and want to continue, to support that program. For future use.”
For farmers, knowing local first responders are better prepared to handle a farm emergency can make a critical difference when every second counts.
Berger concluded, “We’re looking for more volunteer fire departments. Contact Indiana Corn Marketing Council and we’ll try and get you set up with the right people, the right information, and the right tools.”
