By Scout Nelson
The Howard FFA Chapter has won the 2025 Farm Safety Quiz Championships at the South Dakota State Fair. The team, made up of Mason Jacobson, Tom Connor, Lucas Feldhaus, and Carson Hinker, claimed the title and received a cash prize.
Other strong FFA teams competed, including chapters from Redfield, Canton, and Wessington Springs. Students faced a wide variety of questions, from handling farm equipment on roads to safe grain bin practices and ATV operation. The competition challenged participants to apply real-world farm safety knowledge in front of a crowd of fairgoers.
Doug Sombke, president of South Dakota Farmers Union, explained why this event is important. “It’s important all youth understand how to stay safe on farms and ranches because agriculture is our state’s No. 1 industry – and the work involved can be dangerous,” he said.
Students also shared how much they learned from the experience. Wessington Springs FFA member Ella Kolousek admitted that even though she grew up on a farm, she found some questions difficult. “Learning about farm safety is a good idea because I can use the information to help me stay safe,” she said.
The quiz bowl is part of South Dakota Farmers Union’s larger efforts to educate youth. Programs include statewide summer camps, which reach more than 1,000 youth each year, and the popular Farm Safety Trailer. The trailer travels to schools, fairs, and community events, offering hands-on lessons such as ATV simulators, grain bin safety demonstrations, and model farm activities.
Since its launch in 2018, the Farm Safety Trailer has engaged thousands of youth across South Dakota. By combining fun competitions with interactive lessons, South Dakota Farmers Union continues to make farm safety education both meaningful and memorable.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-fair
Categories: South Dakota, Education