Farm Safety Buckets delivered to 200 Keokuk County farmers during harvest

Sigourney, IA — As combines rolled across the fields this fall, Keokuk County farmers received a boost of support to help them stay safe during the busy harvest season. Thanks to the efforts of Keokuk County Extension and Outreach and a host of generous local sponsors, 200 Farm Safety Buckets were distributed to farmers throughout the county.

The Farm Safety Bucket initiative provides farmers with practical tools and safety reminders to promote awareness and preparedness during long harvest days. Each bucket included essential items such as first aid kits, flashlights, gloves, snacks, and other useful supplies aimed at supporting safety and well-being in the field. In addition to physical safety items, the buckets also contained information and resources focused on farm stress, mental health, and overall well-being — recognizing that safety on the farm extends beyond equipment and includes caring for one’s mental health during the busy and often stressful harvest season.

This effort was made possible through the support of financial sponsors: County Bank, First Mainstreet Insurance, John Wehr Law, Keoco Auction, Libertyville Savings Bank, River Hills Community Health Center, Washington Keokuk County Corn & Soybean Growers Association, and Sigourney Lumber.

Many local businesses also contributed by donating items for the buckets, including Atwood Electric, Barn Wired, Bender Foundry Services, Brother’s Market, Case IH JJ Nichting, Countyline Mart, County Bank, FCA/Vision Ag LLC, Freeman Foods, Hog Slat, Kelsey Hammes — Farm Bureau Agent, Keokuk County Farm Bureau, Keokuk County Hospitals & Clinics, Lifetime Dental Solutions, MidWestOne Bank, Sigourney Café, Sinclair Tractor, and the Washington Keokuk County Corn & Soybean Growers Association. Keokuk County Extension and Outreach supplied all remaining items to complete the buckets.

“This project is a great example of how our community comes together to support local farmers,” said Emily Belvel, with Keokuk County Extension and Outreach. “Harvest season can be a stressful and exhausting time, and our goal is to remind farmers to take care of themselves — both physically and mentally — while working hard to feed our communities.”

This community collaboration highlights the strong local commitment to supporting the agricultural community and promoting farm safety. The Farm Safety Bucket program not only provides helpful tools but also serves as a reminder that safety remains a top priority — especially during the demanding harvest season.

Plans are already underway for next year’s Farm Safety Bucket distribution. If you would like to make a donation toward this project, please contact the Keokuk County Extension Office for more information.

For more information about ISU Extension and Outreach, visit www.extension.iastate.edu or contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Keokuk County office.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext.