Farm Safety Event Focuses on Prevention and Preparation

Free Feb. 18 workshop in Stuttgart, Arkansas to cover grain bin risks, CPR basics, and emergency response for farmers

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is hosting a 'Farm Safety on the Prairie Day' event on February 18th in Stuttgart, Arkansas. The half-day workshop will feature demonstrations and training on a variety of farm safety topics, including grain bin safety, dust explosion risks, CPR basics, and emergency response techniques for farmers.

Why it matters

Farm work carries inherent safety risks, from falls and grain bin entrapment to dust explosions and severe injuries. This event aims to educate farmers on prevention strategies and proper emergency response to help keep them safe on the job.

The details

The free event will take place from 10am to 2pm at the Grand Prairie Center in Stuttgart. Speakers will cover chemical, electrical, pipeline, power line, and grain bin safety, as well as farm stress and mental health. Riceland Foods will conduct a dust explosion simulation, and attendees can see a grain bin extraction demonstration. The event also includes a one-hour basic CPR class and training from the 'Stop the Bleed' program on how to stop severe bleeding until first responders arrive.

  • The Farm Safety on the Prairie Day event will be held on February 18, 2026.
  • The event will run from 10am to 2pm.

The players

University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

The organization hosting the farm safety event in Stuttgart.

Grant Beckwith

Extension agriculture agent and staff chair in the Arkansas County extension office, who is helping organize the event.

Riceland Foods

Will conduct a dust explosion simulation at the event.

Energy Transfer

Will share information about pipeline safety and how to avoid hitting underground pipelines.

First Electric Cooperative

Will have a trailer on site for attendees to learn about power line safety.

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What they’re saying

“Knowing what to do and how to respond is important in those situations.”

— Grant Beckwith, Extension agriculture agent and staff chair (osceolatimes.com)

“We have more grain bins going in on the prairie. These are scenarios that folks need to be aware of.”

— Grant Beckwith, Extension agriculture agent and staff chair (osceolatimes.com)

What’s next

The event includes sign-ups for a longer CPR certification class that will be held after the initial training.

The takeaway

This farm safety event provides critical hands-on training and education to help prevent accidents and ensure proper emergency response on the prairie, where agricultural risks can be heightened and access to first responders may be more limited.