Farmers Union announces Brown County Day and Farm Safety Camp, July 21

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Farmers Union invites all youth, ages 6-13, to attend Brown County Farmers Union and Farm Safety Day Camp scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at the Brown County Fairgrounds, 25 Market Street, Aberdeen, South Dakota (rain or shine). Registration will begin at 8:00 am with camp activities running from 8:30 am– 5:00 pm.

“We look forward to educating our youth on the role that cooperatives play in our everyday lives,” said Mike Traxinger, Brown County Farmers Union Education Director. “Farm safety is also a key component of rural life. This year the day camp will provide six 20 minute sessions on various aspects of farm safety, provided for by our very own local cooperatives and sponsors. We look forward to hosting a fun, safe and friendly day camp.”

Through interactive activities and games, day campers will learn about cooperation, farm safety, agriculture and leadership. Farm safety sessions will include the following: animal and livestock, ATV, chemical and machinery, dust explosion, electrical and grain bins. Campers will also participate in an agriculture activity that will teach them about diversity in agriculture across South Dakota and the nation.

Local cooperative sponsors of the camp that will be providing farm safety sessions include Full Circle Ag, North Central Farmers Elevator, Northern Electric Cooperative, and South Dakota Wheat Growers Association. The camp is also sponsored by South Dakota Farmers Union, Farmers Union Insurance Agency and the CHS Foundation.

“Being raised on a farm and living in rural areas can provide for one of the best childhood upbringings,” said Beth Locken, Regional Environmental, Health and Safety Specialist for Wheat Growers. “Helping our future generations recognize the importance of staying safe around farming operations is vital to the sustainability of our family farms. Wheat Growers is thrilled to participate in this year’s Farmers Union camp!”

“Electricity plays an important role in agriculture, which is why it’s crucial to teach our youth how to properly work with electricity. Northern Electric Cooperative is excited to be part of this safety camp and demonstrate the precautions that need to be taken on the farm,” Northern Electric General Manager and CEO Char Hager said.

“NCFE is looking forward to teaching safety on ATV’s,” indicated NCFE’s Safety Coordinator, Andy Clemen. “We proudly support safety camps, training for local fire departments and supporting the youth of our communities.”

“We are pleased to help sponsor this very worthwhile farm safety camp for Brown County youth in cooperation with our neighboring local cooperatives,” said Tammy Satrang, Full Circle Ag Chief Financial Officer. “Chris Kassube from Full Circle Ag will be educating the youth on livestock and food safety. He has been in the livestock business for 20+ years and has been with Full Circle since 2008.”

Camp is free to South Dakota Farmers Union members’ children and $5.00 for non-members’ children.

This year, youth will also learn about the role Farmers Union has played in South Dakota over the last 100 years.

Special Instructions: Lunch and a snack will be provided. Pre-registration is helpful so email Mike Traxinger at mtraxinger@gmail.com to register. Campers are also encouraged to wear sturdy shoes for activities. All campers will receive a free T-shirt, courtesy of the Farmers Union Insurance Agency.

Registration forms can be found online at www.sdfu.org. You can also pick them up at your local Farmers Union Insurance office or your local cooperative. For more information, contact Mike Traxinger at 605-377-4110 or Farmers Union State Education Director, Bonnie Geyer, at 605-352-6761 ext. 125 or email her at bgeyer@sdfu.org.

This year’s camp celebrates South Dakota Farmers Union’s centennial with the theme, Growing Stronger with Cooperation, Celebrating 100 Years.