Butler County Extension and Outreach
This project aims to educate fourth-grade students in Butler County on various safety topics, including agricultural, home, chemical, and water safety, among others. The project will involve a Youth Ag Safety Day, where students participate in educational sessions and receive resources, such as a farm/home safety form. The students will complete this form with their families, promoting safety awareness and encouraging families to evaluate and improve safety measures at home. The most impactful component of the project is the laminated safety checklist that families will use to create emergency plans together, ensuring ongoing safety practices and allowing the form to be updated as needed.
Carroll County Extension and Outreach
This project focuses on farm, tractor, and animal safety. The plan involves creating a workshop for younger 4-H members (Clover Kids and Junior Members), led by older county council members (8th-12th grade). The workshop will include rotations on farm safety, animal safety, and tractor safety, with hands-on activities involving live animals (e.g., dogs, goats, rabbits) and farm machinery. The goal is to provide important safety education to younger members, especially ahead of county fair season. The project also aims to develop leadership skills in county council members by having them take charge of the workshop, with guidance from the project organizer.
Charles City FFA
This project addresses heat and UV/sun safety, particularly for youth. The Charles City FFA Chapter, in collaboration with Central Springs, Rockford FFA Chapters, and the Floyd County Extension, organizes an annual Farm Safety Day Camp for all 4th graders in Floyd County. The camp will focus on educating students about the risks of sun exposure, including the increased risk of melanoma and eye problems like cataracts. To ensure the curriculum is up-to-date, the team will consult with extension office personnel and health professionals, as well as conduct online research. The biggest impact of the project is raising awareness about the long-term risks of sunburn and UV exposure, particularly in young children.
Iowa County Extension and Outreach
This project will bring the Iowa State University Biosecurity Trailer to the 4th Grade Ag Exploration Field Trip, where students will experience hands-on demonstrations on how germs spread and the importance of biosecurity. Iowa State Extension’s Swine Specialist, Matt Romoser, will lead discussions on safety precautions and best practices for farmers, with a focus on preventing the spread of diseases in both humans and animals. The goal is to educate youth about the vital components of agriculture, emphasizing the importance of safety and health in daily agricultural practices. The most creative aspect is the interactive experience provided by the biosecurity trailer, which offers practical learning opportunities for students.
Lake 4-H Muscatine
This project focuses on hearing loss prevention, particularly for farmers and youth. The team plans to research organizations that specialize in hearing loss and interview people with experience in this area to gather information on best practices. The primary activity will involve distributing earplugs and posters, along with holding a drawing for a pair of earmuffs. The goal is to educate individuals about the importance of wearing hearing protection around loud machinery. The biggest impact of the project is expected to be the distribution of earplugs, encouraging people to adopt consistent hearing protection habits.
Cedar Livestock 4-H Mahaska County
This project focuses on providing first aid kits to rural farm families. The Cedar Livestock 4-H Club plans to research the best first aid kits for farming communities, aiming for a balance between affordability and quality. Since emergency services may take time to arrive in rural areas, the goal is to ensure families have the necessary supplies to handle emergencies. The project will involve distributing these kits along with educational materials on their proper use. The biggest impact of the project is equipping farm families with the tools to potentially save lives in case of an injury, giving them peace of mind. The 4-H club has previously raised awareness through a farm safety video, and this project continues their commitment to farm safety.
Southwest Valley FFA
This project aims to raise awareness about personal safety and the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) for farmers. The team will collaborate with school nurses, public health professionals, and an extension director to identify the essential PPE needed on farms. Students will research suitable equipment and create an educational display to be showcased at the Adams and Montgomery County Fairs, as well as other community events. The project will provide farmers with necessary PPE and distribute earplugs to community members, along with information on hearing protection. The most impactful aspect will be the distribution of PPE and the creation of the educational display to inform and engage the community.
Washington County Extension and Outreach
This project addresses various farm safety topics, including chemical, respiratory, equipment, roadway, hearing, and eye safety, with a special focus on mental health. The “Stay Safe, Take a Break” initiative provides farmers with safety resources and mental health support during the stressful harvest season. The 4-H County Council Youth help organize, pack, and deliver these care packages directly to farmers in the field. The bags contain safety items, snacks, and mental health resources from Iowa State University Extension. In 2025, additional mental health materials will be added to further support farmers. Younger 4-H members, including Clover Kids, will contribute gratitude cards to personalize the bags. The biggest impact of the project is the personal delivery by youth, which strengthens community connections and shows farmers they are valued, while also serving as a daily safety reminder in the field.
West Sioux FFA
This project focuses on promoting hearing and eye protection for farmers. During the annual “Feed the Farmer” event, sack lunches prepared by kids will be distributed alongside earplugs and safety glasses. These items will also include statistics on hearing loss and eye safety to raise awareness. The goal is to provide affordable, easily accessible protective gear for farmers while they work with machinery. The most impactful aspect of the project is ensuring that farmers have immediate access to the necessary protection, encouraging safer practices in their daily operations.
Wright County Teen Council
This project aims to enhance farm safety for youth in Wright County. The Teen Council will create and distribute 60 youth farmer bags to farm families with young children, containing essential safety resources like safety vests, sunscreen, and first aid kits. The council will also use social media and local press releases to raise awareness about farm safety and encourage positive habits to prevent injuries and fatalities on the farm. They will research best practices, equipment, and budgeting to ensure the bags are effective and affordable. The biggest impact of this project is the increased awareness of common farm hazards and the proactive measures families can take to protect youth, such as improving visibility with safety vests, preventing sunburns with sunscreen, and providing quick access to first aid for minor injuries. This initiative fosters a culture of preparedness and responsibility, supporting the well-being of young farmers and contributing to a safer farming environment.