Youngblut Ag owner Pete Youngblut (right side, center) works with students from Dysart-Geneseo Elementary to better understand how to avoid injuries around power take-off equipment (PTO) as part of a farm safety week program held on Thursday, Sept. 25, in Dysart. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

DYSART – Kindergarten through fifth grade students at Dysart-Geneseo Elementary received hands-on lessons in farm safety last week thanks to a collaborative program led by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Tama County and Youngblut Ag. The initiative, designed to educate young learners about critical agricultural safety practices, covered topics on Sept. 25 ranging from sun protection to machinery hazards and biosecurity.

The morning event featured interactive stations where students learned how to stay safe under the sun, avoid injuries around power take-off (PTO) equipment, and prevent the spread of disease on farms. ISU Extension specialists emphasized the importance of wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, while Youngblut Ag representatives demonstrated how PTO shields work and why they’re essential.

“Teaching kids about safety in agriculture isn’t just about protecting them today – it’s about building lifelong habits,” County Youth Coordinator Jenny Hulme said. “Whether they live on a farm or just visit one, these lessons stick.”

Biosecurity was another key focus, with students exploring how germs travel and how simple steps like handwashing and boot cleaning can make a big difference. The program used engaging visuals and real-world examples to help students understand the importance of keeping animals – and themselves – healthy.

Youngblut Ag, a local leader in agricultural services, provided equipment and expertise to make the demonstrations realistic and impactful. “We’re proud to support education that keeps our future farmers safe,” Youngblut Ag Owner and President Pete Youngblut said.

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The event was part of a broader effort by ISU Extension and Outreach to bring agricultural literacy and safety awareness into schools across Iowa. Teachers at Dysart Geneseo Elementary School praised the program for its relevance and energy, noting how students were excited to share what they learned.

With harvest season approaching, organizers hope the lessons will resonate beyond the classroom.

“Safety starts with awareness,” Tama County Program Assistant Haley Princehouse said. “And today, these kids took a big step forward.”

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