Michigan farmer remembers nearly fatal day during harvest

Dan Reeder, a farmer from Ionia County, Michigan, narrowly escaped a grain bin entrapment on July 11, when he became trapped in corn while trying to dislodge it from an auger. The corn flowed around him, trapping him 3 feet deep as he waited for someone to notice his absence. A friend eventually found him, and first responders arrived to drain the bin, rescuing Reeder after over an hour.

Reeder expressed gratitude for the quick action of first responders and his local community. He urged other farmers to slow down during harvest season and ensure safety by having someone watch over the bin during operations. Reeder’s experience is a reminder of the increasing dangers of grain bin entrapments, which have risen by 45 percent since 2021, with 15 fatalities recorded in 2022.

As part of National Farm Safety and Health Week, farmers are being encouraged to prioritize safety by maintaining equipment and preparing for emergencies. Fire safety expert Tom Piepkow emphasizes the importance of preventing equipment fires by cleaning machines and using safety tools like fire extinguishers and slow-moving vehicle signs.