Many farmers across the area have gotten an early start on the harvest, bringing to light safety concerns to both producers and other motorists. Tina Potthoff at MidAmerican Energy reminds farmers to be aware of power lines and lower augers appropriately. If a tractor comes in contact with a power line, stay seated until help arrives. If there is a fire danger, jump as far away from the tractor as possible, keeping your feet together.

Doug Polking, Pella Ambulance Director, reminds drivers to be aware of the increased farm equipment on the roads. He says the biggest increase in injuries they see around the harvest is from the increased traffic on the roads. The second increase in injuries they run into are hand injuries. He says when the harvest starts, farmers are working 24/7 and being that tired can lead to injuries while working on farming equipment. He tells us that the Pella Fire Department and Pella Ambulance will be training for grain bin rescues in early October.