AMES, Iowa -- Farm Progress Show visitors will be interested in several Iowa State University displays that focus on the Next Generation of Iowans. The FPS is Aug. 26 through Aug. 28, Boone, Iowa.

One display will be on the Beginning Farmer Center, which provides resources to help Iowa’s farmers. “One of the goals of the Beginning Farmer Center is to keep as many farm operations going as we can because it’s better for Iowa’s economy,” said David Baker, Extension farm transition specialist.

The Beginning Farmer Center is a resource for new farmers planning to start a farm operation. It is also a resource for experienced farmers looking to retire and pass on the farm operation to the next generation. The Center can help farmers across the state as well as those looking to relocate to Iowa.

“The number of Iowa farm operations is dwindling. But there’s a lot of potential for young people to locate in Iowa and start a farm business,” said Baker.

The FPS display will showcase the programs the Center offers including the FarmOn program, Ag Link seminars, individual farm financial analysis, educational materials, and individual consultation. These programs are designed to tackle the issues and concerns facing beginning farmers.

The Beginning Farmer Center is a program of Iowa State University Extension and collaborates with the International Farm Transition Network, Leopold Center and the Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Tug-of-war with grain

FPS visitors can test their strength in a tug-of war with grain and learn the importance of grain bin safety. A new model of an actual grain bin, created by Charles Schwab, Extension safety specialist and Sukup Manufacturing Co., demonstrates the force needed to pull an entrapped person out of grain.

“The force required to remove someone buried below the surface of grain easily can exceed 2,000 pounds, which is about the same as lifting a small car,” said Schwab.

The display will show the three areas of concern, submersion in flowing grain, collapse of a grain bridge, and avalanche of a vertical grain wall, as well as the speed in which a person could be buried alive by grain. Grain entrapments can happen in less than 15 seconds to bury a person up to the waist, children would be buried faster. Most adults are helpless when trapped at knee level.

Schwab says the best way to reduce the risk of grain entrapment is to prevent situations from happening. Always lock access doors and never let children play in bins. Shut off and lock out power before getting into a grain bin. Never work alone when loading and unloading grain.

Essential skills for the workplace

Individuals interested in learning soft skills needed for success in the workplace should stop by a Families Extension display at the Farm Progress Show. The display will explain five important soft skill concepts employees can develop.

Employers want employees who have soft skills or personal qualities, attitudes and traits important for the work environment said Jeanne Warning, Extension Families specialist.

Soft skills include handling your emotions, making good decisions, communicating well with others, managing yourself at work and home, and knowing your learning style. Understanding the importance of simple things such as trustworthiness, dependability, problem solving, and having a positive attitude will help employees succeed.

The display will teach people how to develop these five soft skill concepts by identifying certain abilities. Visitors can quiz themselves with questions on skills like how to make an effective decision and how to communicate properly.

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