LEWISTOWN, Ill -University of Illinois Extension and Farm Bureau in Fulton and Mason Counties sponsored their annual Farm Safety Day on Tuesday, June 11, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Lewistown. This yearly event was made possible with the support of several area businesses and organizations, including Spoon River Electric's Round-Up Program which provided a $1500 grant to help fund the program. This event was offered to all area youth, free of charge. Youth from Fulton, Mason, Peoria, Tazewell, Bureau, Knox, Woodford, and McDonough counties were in attendance.

This event is held every year, alternating between Fulton County and Mason County as host sites. Organizers believe that all children should learn about farm safety, whether they live on a farm or perhaps visit friends or relatives who live in a rural setting. Several of the topics covered included things not just specific to farm safety.

Topics included Weather Safety, Cyber Safety, Police Safety, Poisonous Plants, Mower/ATV Safety, Chemical Safety, Livestock Safety, and Electric Safety. Gateway Sled Dog Club presented the grand finale. Thirty adults and older 4-H members helped that day as group leaders.

Approximately 150 youth and eighty-five adults attended this event. Lunch was prepared by the Farm Bureau and 4-H volunteers from Fulton and Mason Counties. Presenters included:  

• Chris Helle – Fulton County ESDA
• Mike Osborn – Bald Man Marketing 
• Brock Vogel – Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
• Jeff & Nancy Staecker - University of Illinois Master Gardeners
• Jeff Bass & Alex Thomas – Bass Equipment
• Keith Fricke – Prairieland Ag
• Patty & Emma Eathington & Abby Stier – Eathington Angus & Double Nickel Cattle Co.
• Bill Sego & Paul Moffitt– Spoon River Electric Cooperative
• Michelle & John Podolak – Gateway Sled Dog Club

Every youth who attended received a free t-shirt or hat, to remind them of the day and what they learned.

Photo caption

Spoon River Electric Cooperative talking to youth about safety around electricity.