MGEA News

*Safety Topic - Grain Auger Safety

*A Letter from Senator Daines' Office

*2025 MGEA Board of Directors

VISION STATEMENT

The Montana Grain Elevator Association will be recognized and respected as the network that provides valuable support and resources for the Montana Grain Industry.

MISSION STATEMENT

MGEA will provide a forum for all facets of the Montana grain industry to 1) discuss common issues and, when appropriate, take action, 2) network, 3) be respected as a resource for members and others about the grain industry, and 4) be respected as the voice of grain industry in Montana.

Safety Corner

Grain Auger Safety

Provided by Board Member Scott McGowan

Preventing Grain Auger Accidents

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), farming is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. In fact, 410 farmers and farm workers died from work-related injuries in 2019.

One of the most common, but preventable accidents can occur when working with and around grain augers. Augers are an integral part of grain farms and get a lot of use. Many farmers remove auger covers for ease of cleaning and maintenance and then do not replace the cover. This small cover is one of the most important safety elements in a grain farm. When a portable auger is moved around the farm, it is a large hazard that becomes even more dangerous. Even in the hands of experienced farm workers, it is critical to respect grain augers.

Unfortunately, the following types of grain auger accidents are all too common:

Cuts and Fractures − An auger’s sharp corkscrew blade rotates as it draws grain up. Coming into contact with an unguarded blade can result in mutilation.
Loss of limbs − Contact with and/or entanglement in the exposed screw at the intake end of the auger’s shaft often results in amputations. Fingers, arms, hands, and feet are at elevated risk of amputation when caught in an unguarded auger.
Electrocutions − Electrocution is a frequent result of moving a raised grain auger around the farm and coming into contact with electrical wires.
Death.

These accidents are severe, and prevention should be taken seriously. Farmers can reduce the risk of injury in death by taking these steps:

Make sure all workers are adequately trained and supervised.
Regularly inspect augers to ensure all protective shields supplied by the manufacturer are in place and in good working condition. Guards around PTO shafts and drive mechanisms are essential. Older grain augers may have guards that should be replaced.
Never remove protective grates or shields from augers or other conveying equipment.
Do not wear loose or tattered clothing, clothing with draw strings, straps, jewelry and long, untied hair.
Never step over a running PTO shaft.
Always lower grain augers to the horizontal or transport position before moving the grain auger. Take note of overhead power lines before moving the auger and raising it in the next location. Electrocution is a frequent result of moving a raised auger that encounters electrical wires. According to the University of Illinois Extension, “If possible, it is safer to have electric lines to bins buried under the ground.”

Following some simple safety practices can ensure that the family members or employees on the farm are protected from preventable accidents. More information on farm safety and accident prevention can be found at www.osha.gov.

A Letter from Senator Daines' Office

The 119th Congress is underway, and with the swearing-in of both President Trump and Senator Sheehy, I am eager to get to work in the United States Senate to secure wins for Montanans. I am proud to serve on the U.S. Senate Committees on Finance, Foreign Relations as well as Energy and Natural Resources and Indian Affairs, which are instrumental in developing and influencing tax, trade, energy and foreign policy for our nation.

Critical conversations surrounding agriculture, trade, and energy policy need to remain at the forefront, so I am glad to see Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and E.P.A. Administrator Lee Zeldin confirmed so they can get to work for Montanans. Lowering input costs and expanding market access will help alleviate some of the burden that our farmers and ranchers have shouldered for too long, so I look forward to seeing results delivered for our ag producers.

Set to lead the United States Department of Agriculture is Brooke Rollins, who brings a pro-growth and freedom approach to the position, and I look forward to supporting her nomination. She understands our public lands need to remain accessible for grazing, so I am confident she will work well with Secretary Burgum and others to advocate for commonsense solutions. Furthermore, it is time that Congress passes a robust Farm Bill that gives Montana farmers the certainty and security they need to withstand challenges amidst volatile markets and weather conditions. I am also focused on securing much-needed tax relief and repealing the death tax, which immorally places heavy burdens on family-owned farms.

I recently had the opportunity to question U.S. Trade Representative Nominee Jamieson Greer about issues specifically affecting our Montana farmers and ranchers. I was glad to secure his commitment to protect Montana ag and bolster trade opportunities through expanding market access to ensure our ag producers, manufacturers and small business owners can compete on a global stage. He made it clear he is ready to deliver when it comes to ensuring America-first trade deals are prioritized. I look forward to supporting his nomination on the Senate floor.

Agriculture remains the lifeblood of the Treasure State, and I will work to guarantee it always stays that way. Our farmers and ranchers deserve support, and I will always stand with them. The 119th Congress is underway, and with the swearing-in of both President Trump and Senator Sheehy, I am eager to get to work in the United States Senate to secure wins for Montanans. I am proud to serve on the U.S. Senate Committees on Finance, Foreign Relations as well as Energy and Natural Resources and Indian Affairs, which are instrumental in developing and influencing tax, trade, energy and foreign policy for our nation.

Agriculture remains the lifeblood of the Treasure State, and I will work to guarantee it always stays that way. Our farmers and ranchers deserve support, and I will always stand with them.