TUSCULUM, TENN. (RFD News) — Some FFA members are taking agriculture beyond the classroom.
In East Tennessee, Dakin Thompson is focusing on agricultural fire prevention, helping farmers protect their livestock and property.
Thompson is gaining hands-on experience by volunteering with the Tusculum Volunteer Fire Department.
“My SAE is on agricultural fire prevention and safety. It’s about preventing fires in agricultural settings, and putting safety plans in place to help livestock not get hurt and people to be more safe.”
When visiting farms, Thompson says he walks producers through potential risks and reviews their emergency plans.
He uses a checklist to identify fire hazards and helps farmers think through evacuation plans in case of a barn fire.
In addition to his safety work, Thompson is also active in FFA through dairy competitions and community service.
For Thompson, it’s about more than awards. He says his goal is to make a difference and help keep his community safe.
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