South Central Reporter

State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Xenia) is doing all he can to break a disturbing trend in agriculture that has already resulted in four deaths in the grain bin industry this year.

“We need to continually be safe around farm equipment and working around grain bins,” said Wilhour, a farmer and business owner by trade. “Grain bin incidents are also dangerous for first responders such as fire departments that provide grain bin rescue response.”

In addition to the four fatalities, statistics show that there have also been at least seven other incidents leading to injuries. According to Dave Newcomb, the Agriculture Program Manager of the Illinois Fire Service Institute, there were three grain bin deaths in 2019. Some theorize part of the issue is the way wet grain regularly clumps together, slowing its flow through unloading systems and forcing workers to enter the bins to restart the process. In addition, corn in bad condition often leads to more grain bin accidents.

Accidents also can happen quickly when someone enters the bin. Steps such as breaking up crusted grain from the outside with a long pole and wearing a secured harness in case there is a sudden flow of grain are recommended. Another critical step is to turn off and lock out all powered equipment to the grain bin and tag it to remain off, a step known as “lock out’ or ‘tag out.”

Wilhour, who is on the ballot next month against Democrat David Seiler in the 107th District, recently urged area farmers to take advantage of an Illinois Department of Agriculture program set to provide $5 million in business recovery grants available to qualifying individuals in the livestock industry. Online applications for grants are available and inquiries about the programs or the application can be emailed to agr.grants@illinois.gov.

“For most farmers, these grants aren’t enough to repair the damage caused to them by the coronavirus regulations on businesses and restaurants, but it could be the right amount of funds to help keep some operations afloat,” he said. “I encourage the livestock farmers in my area to look into this grant program to see if they qualify for one of the grants that could be anywhere up to $25,000."