Free Farmers Appreciation Event March 30 at Visitors Center

The 1st Annual Ag Safety and Farmers Appreciation Day will be held on Tuesday, March 30, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Milbank Visitors Center. The event is sponsored by the Ag Committee of the Milbank Area Chamber of Commerce. Backdoor BBQ food will be served free during the event. Free first aid and safety kits will also be available.

Laurie Folk, director of the Milbank Area Chamber, says, “Some of the events, such as the meal, are inside and some are outside. So, remember to dress accordingly.”

She says, “Agtegra is coordinating with Grant County Emergency Management to provide demonstrations — Grain Bin Harness and Tagline Safety. ” Tom Waletich, an alumnus of MHS and regional safety manager for Agtegra, will be on hand during the event. Agtegra is also sponsoring two exciting drawings. The first one is for a farm bin entry kit, with an estimated value of $450 and the second is for an ATV P.P.E. kit valued at $100.” Agtegra is also sponsoring an ATV simulator.

Demonstration Schedule: 5:45 p.m -Ellen Duysen presents a demonstration – Farm Respiratory Safety 6:15 p.m. – Dr. Risto Rautiainen presents a demonstration – Guarding Farm Safety
Dr. Rautiainen grew up on a farm in Finland. After mandatory military training, he completed his masters degree in agriculture and agricultural engineering at the University of Finland. 
Since October 2011, Dr. Rautiainen has directed the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, which is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. This center serves a seven-state region that has nearly half a million farms. The center conducts research and outreach projects aiming to reduce injury and illness among farmers, their family members, and agricultural workers. Titan Machinery of Milbank is providing the machinery for the demonstrations.  

Sponsors of the Farmer Appreciation and Ag Safety Day include:
Title Sponsorship
1st Bank & Trust, Premier Tax & Bookkeeping, Titan Machinery, Avantara- Milbank 

Champion Sponsorship Whetstone Valley Electric, Great Western Bank, Valley Queen Cheese Factory, Twin Valley Tire, Insurance Plus Solutions, The Valley Express 

Advocate Sponsorship Dakota Country Ag, Zubke Farms LLC, Bien Pharmacy

Star Sponsorship Edward Jones, Unzen Motors

Members of the Milbank Area Chamber Ag Committee include:  Brian Trapp – 1st Bank & Trust, Callie Curley – Valley Queen, Chris Kelly – Napa, Cory Henneberg – Great Western Bank,  Denice Hooth – Exit Realty, Justin Berry – Titan Machinery, Marc Hoffman – Insurance Solutions Plus,  Pat Blauert – 1st Bank & Trust, Paul VanderWal – Dakota Country Ag Services,  Jeremy Wiese – Roger’s Electric,  Sara Koepke – Grant County 4-H,  Travis Lester – 1st Bank & Trust, Pam Nelson – Twin Brooks Threshing Show, and Wayne Meyer – Milbank area farmer 

Check out the Ag event ad on The Valley Express