Iowa Farmer Shares His Story and the Importance of Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety Week

Iowa farmer Derek Hommer joined us to discuss grain bin safety, ongoing prevention efforts, and the importance of community preparedness during Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety Week.

DES MOINES, IOWA (RFD NEWS) — Grain bin entrapments are on the rise across the country as high grain stockpiles continue to increase on-farm storage needs. With more grain being held longer, safety experts say the risks inside grain bins are growing more serious. To address those concerns, Nationwide is once again spotlighting the issue through Grain Bin Safety Week, which is currently underway. The annual initiative, launched in 2014, focuses on education, prevention, and emergency preparedness in rural communities.

Derek Hommer, an Iowa farmer and leader of Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety Team, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss the growing dangers of grain bin entrapments, especially as the industry faces record corn production and storage challenges.

In his conversation with RFD NEWS, Hommer emphasized the importance of using Grain Bin Safety Week to raise national awareness of the issue and highlighted educational tools designed to help farmers prevent entrapments before they occur. He also outlined Nationwide’s Nominate Your Fire Department Contest, an initiative that provides rescue equipment and training to rural fire departments to better prepare them to respond to grain bin emergencies.

Before wrapping up, Hommer shared final safety reminders for farmers and ranchers as Grain Bin Safety Week continues.

Related Stories
Kurt Kovarik of Clean Fuels Alliance America joined us to break down the latest developments in the Renewable Fuel Standard rulemaking process and what it could mean for agriculture, energy markets, and rural economies.
Jennifer Tirey of the Illinois Pork Producers Association joined us to discuss efforts to bring pork back into Chicago Public Schools, the nutritional benefits for students, and what the decision could mean for pork producers across the state.
Farmer and retired colonial Joe Ricker joined us to highlight Ag Safety Awareness Program Week, share his work supporting veterans and farmers, and offer guidance on making safety a year-round priority on the farm.
Be sure to catch Kim Collingsworth on Gaither Gospel Hour’s new special, “His Gift, My Story,” tonight, Friday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. ET, on RFD Network and streaming on RFD+
National FFA Southern Region Vice President T. Wayne William talks about Wear Blue Day, the history of the blue jacket, and why the tradition continues to inspire pride and connection among FFA members nationwide.
U.S.-Mexico agricultural trade faces uncertainty in 2026 as tariffs and cartel violence threaten farmers and ranchers. Congressman Henry Cuellar and Texas leaders weigh in on impacts and risks.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney shares insights from new Real Agri-Studies research surrounding the relationship between farmers and their lenders and what it reveals about the current farm economy.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum explains how geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East could further tighten fertilizer movement, increase fuel costs, and complicate planting decisions for U.S. farmers this spring.
Farm CPA Paul Nieffer explains the Farmer Bridge Assistance payment limits, provides clarity on new legislation, and offers advice for producers considering business structure adjustments.
Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins discusses the potential impact of data center growth on farmland, the Landowner Fairness Act, and key priorities for Missouri farmers heading into planting season.
Dr. David Anderson with Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension discusses how geopolitical tensions and the Middle East, along with export disruptions in the Chinese market, will shape cattle markets in the months ahead.
A man accused of orchestrating a nationwide cattle investment fraud scheme has been arrested in California after being on the FBI’s wanted list.