2025 Grain Bin Rescue Training Program

The need for grain bin and manure pit rescue training for first responders has never been greater than it is now. 2019 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the agricultural sector is still the most dangerous in America with 573 fatalities, or an equivalent of 23.1 deaths per 100,000 workers. A March 2023 report released by the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Division at Michigan State University found there were 388 work-related farm injuries in 384 individuals in Michigan in 2021 (four individuals had two separate agricultural injury incidents). There were an additional 19 agricultural fatalities. These reports highlight the fact that agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries. Farmers are at very high risk for both fatal and nonfatal injuries, and farming is one of the few industries in which family members (who often share the work and live on the premises) are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries.

Michigan State University Extension and Michigan Farm Bureau, along with ag commodity organizations who serve the Michigan agricultural industry, are sponsoring grain bin and manure pit rescue training programs for first responders. Personnel from the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety will provide the training. A description of each rescue training program is as follows:

Grain bin rescue training: Participants will learn about grain bin design and structure, as well as the four most common ways that people become entrapped in grain bins. The hands-on portion of the training covers lockout/tagout procedures and extrication of a fully engulfed and a partially engulfed victim. Full NFPA compliant gear, hearing protection, and safety glasses are required to participate in the hands-on portion of this training.

Because of the nature of the hands-on training, class size is limited to 30 participants.

Following are the dates and venue location for the grain bin programs:

Monday, June 23

Location: Cooperative Elevator Co., 4931 Shreeves Road, Fairgrove, MI 48733

Tuesday June 24

Location: Superior Fertilizer, 3761 East Weidman Road, Rosebush, MI 48878

Wednesday, June 25

Location: Berlin Fair, 2008 Berlin Fair Drive, Marne, MI 49435

Thursday, June 27

Location: Albright Farms, 740 S Angola Road, Coldwater, MI 49036 

All programs occur between 6 and 9 p.m.
Dinner is provided between 5 and 6 p.m. for those who attend both this training and the earlier safety trainings 

Registration: There is no registration fee, however, registration is required. Due to the hands-on style of training offered in each class, class size is limited to 30 participants.

Michigan State University Extension and Michigan Farm Bureau, along with ag commodity organizations who serve the Michigan agricultural industry, are sponsoring this training.