Illinois Department of Labor Honors Agriculture Day at Illinois State Fair with Grain Bin Rescue Tube Demonstration

SPRINGFIELD — In honor of Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair, the Illinois Department of Labor invites the public to watch an interactive, live grain bin rescue tube demonstration.

The Department has partnered with the Illinois Fire Service Institute to educate and engage the public on the following:

• Total economic output generated by the Illinois agricultural sector: 9.56%
• $19.6 billion generated annually by Illinois’ agricultural commodities
• 97% of Illinois’ agricultural industry made up by family farms
• 7 out of 10 grain bin accidents happen on family farms

“Grain bin accidents have been on the rise in Illinois, and the state now ranks 2nd nationally for such incidents,” highlighted Director Hugo Chaviano. “It is important for us to reverse this statistic by raising awareness, educating and offering training resources.”

“We are thrilled to join the Illinois Department of Labor in the Governor’s Tent this year at the State Fair,” said David Newcomb, Ag Rescue Program Manager with the Illinois Fire Service Institute. “We hope everyone joins us in honoring Agriculture Day and stops by for a demonstration.”

Throughout the State Fair from 10AM to 7PM each day, there will be a demonstration every twenty minutes.

For more information about the Illinois Department of Labor, visit our website at labor.illinois.gov. You can also find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ILDeptofLabor or follow us on Twitter @ILDeptofLabor.