Make a difference in your farm community!
Do your part to educate your community about farm safety and health. We’ll even give you the money to do it. Every year I-CASH has funds available for small grants to community youth groups for farm safety-related projects. In addition, I-CASH awards an Outstanding Youth Grant Award and the winners are invited to the annual Midwest Rural Agricultural Safety and Health Conference to present their project. The 2022 Outstanding Youth Grant Award went to the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Louisa County. They worked with multiple FFA and 4-H chapters on a farm safety day. Throughout the day, they interviewed participants and created a video with participants reflecting on what they learned at the event.
The message of farm safety and health can be delivered in a variety of ways. We encourage creative projects! Here are some examples you may consider:
- Distributing ear plugs, sun screen, and healthy snacks to farmers at harvest time
- Distribute SMV (slow moving vehicle) signs at the local implement dealership, using the opportunity to talk with farmers about roadway safety
- Make a poster about hearing protection for the county fair and hand out ear plugs and brochures
- Speak with farmers while they wait in line to drop off grain at the local co-op – pass out a fact sheet about respiratory health and distribute N95 respirators.
- Produce a YouTube video about safely sorting cattle, using the funds to purchase props for demonstrations, special makeup, or editing software
- Hold a local essay or poster contest about ATV safety and give away ATV helmets to the winners
- Develop livestock safety manuals and signs for county fair participants.
Applications will be reviewed by members of the I-CASH advisory board. Criteriafor selection will be based on objectives and use of funds. One project will be selected for the Outstanding Youth Grant Award which will be presented at the 2023 MRASH conference in mid-November . Funding will be available for travel and expenses to attend the meeting. A cash award will also be given to the top project.
Grants are only available for youth groups/organizations in Iowa.
2023 Ag Youth Grant Application
Grant applications are due April 15, 2023!
2005 – 2021 Grant Recipients
Best Practices for Farm Safety Days
Farm Safety days can be a great way to help young people understand hazards on farms. For those grant recipients organizing safety days, we strongly recommend you consult the following resources to ensure that you use the best curricula available to share the farm safety message.
- Farm Safety For Just Kids resources, now part of the Progressive Ag Safety Day organization. There are numerous lessons and ideas to help you effectively teach about farm safety.
- The North American Guidelines for Children’s Agricultural Tasks. This is a critical resource to understand what kinds of farm activities are appropriate for youth of different ages.
For more information or assistance with this program, contact Ralph Altmaier at ralph-altmaier@uiowa.edu. or 319-335-4229.