- Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for use in silos where silo gas may be present (see National Ag Safety Database Dangers of Silo Gas)
- Appropriate NIOSH-approved respirators (see AgriSafe factsheet or Respiratory Protection in Agriculture (PDF) from Virginia Tech) for use in and around grain bins and silos
- Other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for use in and around grain bins and silos, such as hearing protection (see NDSU article, Can You Hear Me Now? or NIOSH factsheet) or ANSI certified safety glasses
- Safety signs and markers appropriate for grain bins and silos (see OSHA Accident prevention signs and tags)
- Grain bin level gauges/indicators to reduce the need to climb bins
- Personal fall-arrest systems, such as ropes, anchors, connectors, deceleration devices, harnesses, etc. and their installation (see Grain Handling Safety Coalition: Fall Protection (PDF) and OSHA Fall Protection Systems)
- Installing guardrail systems on existing ladders, roofs, and platforms (see Walking-Working Surfaces/Fall Protection factsheet (PDF) and OSHA Standard 1910 subpart D)
- Equipping existing fixed ladders with a ladder safety or personal fall arrest system (see Walking-Working Surfaces/Fall Protection factsheet (PDF) and OSHA Standard 1910 subpart D)
- Replacing grain bin ladders with stairs (see Ohio State University Extension – Ohio AgrAbility info)
- Lockout/tagout equipment (see Grain Handling Safety Coalition: LOTO (PDF) and OSHA Lockout/Tagout factsheet (PDF))
- Sweep auger equipped with an attached guard or a control mechanism such as a dead-man switch or similar device and with a positive speed control mechanism or bin stop device (see Grain Handling Safety Coalition: Sweep Auger Alternative Protection (PDF) from the Grain Handling Safety Coalition); this also includes sump guards/gates (see OSHA Grain Handling Facility Sweep Auger Enforcement Policy)
- Equipment shields on motors and other moving parts (see OSHA Machinery and machine guarding)
- Replacing overhead electricity to bins with buried power lines to prevent contact with augers
- Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for use in silos where silo gas may be present (see National Ag Safety Database Dangers of Silo Gas)
- Appropriate NIOSH-approved respirators (see AgriSafe factsheet or Respiratory Protection in Agriculture (PDF) from Virginia Tech) for use in and around grain bins and silos
- Other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for use in and around grain bins and silos, such as hearing protection (see NDSU article, Can You Hear Me Now? or NIOSH factsheet) or ANSI certified safety glasses
- Safety signs and markers appropriate for grain bins and silos (see OSHA Accident prevention signs and tags)
- Grain bin level gauges/indicators to reduce the need to climb bins
Disclaimer
The MDA is merely the grantor of state funds for this program. Approval and reimbursement of funds by the MDA for equipment purchased by the grantee does not make the MDA liable or responsible for the use of such equipment or any injuries or claims that might arise from such use. The MDA is also not responsible or liable for the quality of or inability to use such equipment purchased under this program.
Today, Americans eat from one of the safest food supplies in the world.
Farm Safety Working Group, November 2025
The Minnesota Farm Safety Working Group (FSWG) is an informal collaboration between state agencies, colleges and universities, agricultural organizations, farm safety advocates, private companies, and labor and safety groups.
The FSWG's goal is to improve safety and health in agriculture by providing a platform to discuss related issues, connect organizations working to enhance farm safety and health, and coordinate efforts to make farming safer statewide.
Contact us for meeting details.
The MDA provides this information solely as a service to Minnesota.
Farm Aid 40
We're proud to be a sponsor for the 40th Annual Farm Aid Music Festival, which will be held in Minnesota this year. As Farm Aid marks four decades of supporting family farmers, MDA staff will be on hand offering fun and interactive ways for festivalgoers to connect with Minnesota agriculture and discover resources that support farm families year-round.
We'll host a tent at Farm Aid 40 featuring representatives from the Emerging Farmers Office and Minnesota Grown, helping visitors discover everyday ways to support local farmers year-round. In addition, the MDA will host a Fan Mail for Farmers activity in Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Village. There, festivalgoers can learn about some of the daily challenges farmers face and write a postcard of thanks or encouragement to a Minnesota farm family.
If you or somebody you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Call the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline at 833-600-2670 or visit minnesotafarmstress.com for resources and support 24/7.
