ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, U.S. — CHS Inc., a farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company, announced on Feb. 23 it has contributed $10,000 to the third annual Grain Bin Safety Week. The donation will fund grain bin rescue tubes and specialized training that fire departments use to help save farmers, ranchers and other workers engulfed in grain bins.

Organized by Nationwide Agribusiness, Grain Bin Safety Week (Feb. 21–27) is an annual observance dedicated to increasing awareness of grain bin safety on farms and commercial grain-handling facilities. The goal of this event is to educate the agricultural community on safe work practices and procedures to help reduce the number of preventable injuries and deaths associated with grain handling and storage.

Multiple winners of rescue tubes and related training will be chosen in the Nominate Your Fire Department contest, a popular component of Grain Bin Safety Week. Nominations are being accepted by Nationwide Agribusiness through May 31, online, e-mail and by mail.

"The safety of our employees, customers and communities is a top priority for CHS," said Linda Tank, senior vice-president, CHS Communications and Public Affairs. "Through this partnership, first responders in rural communities have the opportunity to receive specialized equipment and training necessary to handle grain emergencies."

Find out more at www.grainbinsafetyweek.com.