CASA flags grain hazard in TV challenge

Aug 01, 2024
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Recent Amazing Race Canada episode spotlights grain entrapment risks

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) has voiced concerns over a recent "The Amazing Race Canada" episode where contestants had to search for items in grain trailers. This task in Season 10, Episode 5, has sparked a discussion on the dangers of grain entrapment—a serious hazard that can be fatal.

From 2011 to 2020, grain entrapment claimed 27 lives in Canada, including children from Prairie regions, underscoring the lethal risks associated with grain storage.

While the episode's static grain reduced immediate danger, it did not eliminate the inherent risks, making the portrayal concerning for safety advocates.

CASA has been proactive since 2017, educating on grain safety through their BeGrainSafe program, which has trained numerous firefighters in rescue operations from grain entrapments. Despite these efforts, the portrayal of such activities on television could trivialize the real dangers involved.

Andrea Lear, CASA’s CEO, emphasizes the need for media to handle such depictions responsibly. "While reality TV entertains, it should not downplay serious risks," she noted. CASA urges producers to collaborate with safety experts to mitigate misrepresenting hazardous tasks.

To further this cause, CASA is promoting the upcoming BeGrainSafe Week, scheduled for August 12-18, aiming to enhance public knowledge about grain safety measures. More information is available on their website.

Supporting CASA in their mission, the FarmSafe Foundation offers resources essential for sustaining farm safety. Donations to support these initiatives can be made online, contributing to the safety of farm communities across Canada.

Photo Credit: Amazing Race

Video: Fendt Testimonial | Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 | Peter Watson Jones Ltd.

What happens when a farm buys its first Fendt? For Peter Watson Jones Ltd, the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 has exceeded expectations from day one. For Jack, Farm Manager at Peter Watson Jones Ltd in North Shropshire, UK, the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 wasn't just another tractor purchase. It was the farm's first experience with the Fendt brand.

Operating across a 1,200-acre arable farm alongside a 250,000-head broiler enterprise, the business has evolved significantly over the last decade, moving to a straight arable system with fewer staff and machines. Since arriving on the farm, the Fendt 726 Vario has established itself as the main drilling and cultivations tractor, earning its place through performance, versatility and efficiency. Whether it's handling large-scale cultivations or working with a new 4.5m strip-till drill, the tractor continues to impress.

Jack highlights its excellent manoeuvrability, operator comfort and ability to deliver strong pulling power at low engine speeds. The result? Outstanding fuel efficiency without compromising performance. Reliability has also been a key factor, with dependable backup from the team at TR Machinery helping to keep the tractor working when it matters most.

?? Watch as Jack shares why the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7, the farm's first Fendt, has made such a strong impression and become an integral part of their operation.