Nationwide highlights rising grain entrapments amid record corn harvest
Grain bin entrapments remain a danger for farmers and farm workers across the U.S., especially as corn production reached a record 17 billion bushels in 2025/26. Increased stockpiles have raised the risk of accidents, highlighting the need for safe storage and management of grain.
“With significantly more corn in storage, we’re already seeing a concerning rise in grain bin entrapments across the country this year,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide.
“Nationwide remains committed to preventing these tragedies by equipping local first responders with the life-saving rescue tools and training they need. While we’re incredibly proud that these resources have helped save 16 lives since 2014, including a recent rescue earlier this month in Missouri, we know there is still more work to be done,” said Ligget.
Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety Week, February 15–21, 2026, focuses on prevention through education and safety promotion. A key initiative is the annual Nominate Your Fire Department Contest, which supplies rural fire departments with rescue equipment and training. Over $2 million in rescue tubes have been provided across 35 states since 2014.
Safety statistics remain startling. In 2024, 34 grain entrapments were documented—a 25% increase from 2023—with many additional cases going unreported. Adults can become fully engulfed in flowing grain in just 20 seconds, yet 100% of these incidents are preventable. Nationwide partners with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) to deliver training and equipment to first responders.
“Rural fire departments are often the only line of defense when an entrapment occurs,” said Dan Neenan, director at NECAS. “It’s critically important to ensure these first responders not only have the specialized rescue equipment, but also the training needed to respond effectively. NECAS is proud to join Nationwide and its partners to make a difference.”
Farmers, families, and communities are encouraged to raise awareness and participate in the contest. Nominations are open until April 30, 2026. Additional details are available at www.GrainBinSafetyWeek.com, along with sponsorship opportunities for rescue tubes.
Grain Bin Safety Week is made possible with generous support from industry partners, including CHS, Growmark, Syngenta, and state farm bureaus, reinforcing the shared commitment to safe agricultural practices.
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