With assistance from two La Grange students, Javier Torres (right) with LCRA points out property safety gear that’s needed when riding ATVs, such as a helmet, chest protector, and sturdy boots. Torres was one of many experts called to share safety information during a Progressive Agriculture Farm Safety Day event held May 11 at Cooper Farms. -- Staff photo by Carolyn Rost

May 25, 2006 - The dangers that water, sun, chemicals and electricity can impose were some of the safety demonstrations presented to fifth graders during the May 11 Progressive Agriculture Farm Safety Day.

A total of 340 fifth grade students from La Grange, Flatonia, Schulenburg, Fayetteville, Round Top-Carmine, Sacred Heart and St. Rose listened, watched, and learned from several presenters about the many safety precautions they should take to prevent accidents, or even death.

Coordinators for the event, held at LCRA Cooper Farms near Waldeck, were Lee Fritsch, LCRA-natural resources coordinator, and Larry Nickel, Fayette County Extension agent. Several students from the Round Top-Carmine FFA participated as group leaders.

Lower Colorado River Authority rangers demonstrated a variety of floatation devices that should be worn at all times when boating. The rangers had the opportunity to educate more than 300 fifth graders who attended the May 11 field day. -- Staff photo by Carolyn Rost

This was the seventh year for the event. Since its beginning, over 2,220 students have been through the farm safety day.

“I feel that we had a very successful event this year. I hope that each participant learned something new at the farm safety day and that they will share this information with their family and friends,” said Fritsch.

Fritsch stressed it would not be possible to conduct an event of this size without the support of a large number of volunteer organizations.