Anhydrous Ammonia Training for Farmers Begins Soon

Feb 05, 2025
By Farms.com

Indiana Farm Bureau Launches Safety Training Sessions

Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) has opened registration for its anhydrous ammonia training program in partnership with Keystone Cooperative.

Sponsored by the INFB Women’s Leadership Committee, these sessions will provide farmers with essential knowledge on handling this vital but hazardous chemical.

Workshops will be held at three locations across northern Indiana -

Feb. 13 – Keystone Cooperative Herbst, Marion (6 p.m. ET)

Feb. 18 – Whitley County Ag Museum, Columbia City (6 p.m. ET) Includes PARP credits
March 3 – Keystone Cooperative Malden, Valparaiso (5 p.m. CT)

The sessions will cover anhydrous ammonia safety, storage, and its role in crop fertilization, presented by Keystone Cooperative’s safety experts. A cutaway nurse tank will be available for demonstration purposes.

The Columbia City session on Feb. 18 will feature a regulatory update from John Woodmansee, Purdue Extension educator, and attendees will earn PARP credits upon completion.

The Columbia City workshop will also feature a regulatory update by Purdue Extension educator John Woodmansee, and attendees will earn PARP credits upon completion.

“Indiana farmers use anhydrous ammonia in the spring and fall to fertilize our fields, increasing crop yields and ultimately supporting our food security,” said Janis Highley, INFB 2nd vice president and chair of the INFB Women’s Leadership Committee. “However, it’s important to remember that it is a dangerous chemical that must be stored, handled, and transported properly.”

The program is open to farmers and farm employees who work with anhydrous ammonia. The training is free, and light refreshments will be provided.

Registration is required at www.infb.org/events, and deadlines close three business days before each session.

Video: Women in Ag. The Promotion of Female Farmers through Social Media | Madalyn Thayer | TEDxBGSU

Less than 1% of Americans are farmers. The majority of those farmers are men. Many people have minimal experience with farms and agriculture. High schools are getting rid of their FFA programs and many colleges, including BGSU, do not have agricultural programs or classes. There is a new social media phenomenon where women are making content based on their farming endeavors and gaining lots of traction. Education is the one of the most important parts of agriculture, because the more people know the more they will emphasize with farmers and create policy that benefits everybody. Female farmers have taken to social media sharing their experience in the agricultural world. These women are breaking stereotypes and educating everyday citizens about farming which is extremely important for the future of agriculture. Madalyn is 19 years old and will be gradated with her bachelors degree in communication on December 2024. She lives on a farm and have spent lots of time working in agriculture. She has her own farmers market and love learning about all subjects, especially agriculture. She was on the BGSU Firelands Student government from 2021-2023 as a CCP Ambassador and was awarded the 3&1 communication excellency award in April of 2024. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.