Missouri Soybeans, alongside presenting sponsor Ag Growth International (AGI), hosted its inaugural Grain Smart Field Day on June 4, putting farm safety, grain bin technology and emergency response training front and center for farmers and rural fire departments.
The event, held at the Farm for Soy Innovation just south of Columbia, brought together soybean growers, first responders, agricultural leaders, and industry partners to address one of agriculture’s most persistent and dangerous challenges- grain bin accidents.
“Grain bins are critical for our operation, but they’re also one of the most dangerous places on the farm,” said Brad Arnold, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) board member and grower from Harrisonville. “Any time you can reduce the risk of having to go inside a bin, you’re protecting your people and your profit.”
That message was reinforced throughout the day, as attendees participated in live rescue demonstrations, explored digital bin management technology that ensures safety of people and product, and witnessed life-saving equipment donations to rural fire departments.
AGI BinManager: Taking the Guesswork- and Danger- Out of Storage
A key focus of the event was AGI’s BinManager system, a digital grain storage monitoring system that can be retrofit to any existing bin and allows farmers to track and manage conditions inside their bins remotely. The system collects real-time data on moisture and temperature levels, automatically operating fans and aeration systems as needed. According to AGI representatives- Ryan Thompson, Erin Squires, and Dustin Wageman- this results in safer, more efficient grain storage and removes any reason for farmers to enter a bin.
“All too often, soybeans are loaded into the grain bin either to dry or wet and face the risk of spoiling during storage,” said Thompson. “That’s when unsafe conditions begin. We want to prevent farmers from going into the bin. AGI BinManager has the unique ability to allow farmers to remotely condition their beans, prevent spoilage and bring them to a profitable targeted moisture content- all from a cell phone or computer. In the end that means safety to people and product and more weight and a higher return on investment for the farm.”
With added ability to automate fans, AGI BinManager measures moisture and temperature throughout the bin and analyzes the data against the conditions of outside air and air in the plenum.
Based on the data captured, the fan system runs only when productive air is present- saving on runtime expenses and conditioning soybeans to help capture higher quality premiums.
During a demo of the AGI BinManager system, which is installed on the Missouri Soybean’s Research bin, Erin Squires noted: “It’s a win-win. Today’s tech has the capacity to elevate safety. Each year, grain entrapment accidents happen- AGI, along with the rest of the grain community, is on a mission to encourage farmers to turn their bins into a smart tool that reduces the risk for family and farm while improving the quality of stored crops.”
According to AGI representatives, this results in safer, more efficient grain storage and fewer reasons for farmers to enter a bin.
“Every time someone has to go inside a grain bin to check conditions, they’re putting themselves at risk,” Arnold said. “With BinManager, you’re taking the guesswork out of storage and making better decisions without ever stepping foot inside.”
In addition to improving safety, BinManager helps reduce spoilage, shrink and quality losses, providing peace of mind and helping farmers maximize the value of their stored soybeans and other crops.
Demonstrations Emphasize Preparedness
Beyond technology, the Grain Smart Field Day emphasized the importance of preparation and training for grain bin emergencies.
Attendees watched as the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), in pa
rtnership with Nationwide, demonstrated a grain bin rescue using a mobile simulator. The demonstration showed how specialized rescue tubes and training can help save lives during a bin entrapment, which can occur in seconds when grain shifts beneath a person’s feet.
“Grain bin accidents happen fast, and they’re almost always preventable,” said Kyle Durham, MSMC board member. “It’s critical that our farmers, families and first responders have the right tools and training in place before an emergency happens.”
Donating Rescue Equipment to Rural Fire Departments
To further support rural safety efforts, Missouri Soybeans donated grain bin tubes to the East Prairie and Martinsburg fire departments. The equipment, designed to assist in extracting individuals trapped in flowing grain, joins more than 390 similar donations made nationwide through Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety campaign.
Since the program began in 2014, at least 13 documented lives have been saved thanks to rescue equipment and proper training.
“These tools make all the difference when seconds count,” Durham said. “We want to make sure that no rural firefighter shows up to a grain bin emergency without the resources they need to save lives.”
Soy-Based Innovation for First Responders
The event also showcased SoyFoam, a soy-based firefighting foam developed as a biodegradable alternative to traditional chemical foams containing “forever chemicals,” also known as PFAS. Representatives from the Boone County Fire Protection District demonstrated how SoyFoam can suppress fires while reducing exposure to harmful chemicals often linked to increased cancer risks among firefighters.
“Technology makes our job safer and more efficient,” said Gale Blomenkamp, assistant chief with the Boone County Fire Protection District. “SoyFoam reduces environmental impact and health risks, which is a win for firefighters and communities alike.”
A Holistic Approach to Farm and Rural Safety
Missouri Soybeans’ Grain Smart Field Day reflected a broader effort by the organization to promote innovation, safety and sustainability across the state’s farm communities. Through checkoff-funded programs and partnerships, Missouri Soybeans supports research, technology adoption and safety initiatives designed to protect both people and crops.
“Whether it’s through cutting-edge bin monitoring like AGI BinManager, donating rescue equipment or exploring soy-based solutions like SoyFoam, we’re committed to making farms safer and more efficient,” Arnold said. “Events like this bring it all together- the tools, the training and the technology.”
Free Bin Assessments Available for Farmers
To help more farmers explore safer, smarter grain storage solutions, AGI is offering free bin assessments for a limited time. The assessments provide personalized recommendations to improve storage management, enhance safety and maximize grain quality.
Interested growers can sign up at https://www.aggrowth.com/en-us/farm-brands-overview/Bin-Monitoring/binmanager
For more information on grain bin safety, AGI BinManager or upcoming Missouri Soybeans events, visit mosoy.org.
